it was reported that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was reported that" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are reporting something that someone else has stated or that news outlets have reported. For example: "It was reported that the President will be making a statement later today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was reported that you got £10m.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Recently, it was reported that smoking decreases RBC membrane fluidity.

Nitric Oxide

It was reported that at least one journalist was attacked.

The Guardian

It was reported that many workers were in the building.

The New York Times

It was reported that by 1672, the plant was well established in New England.

Columbia University

It was reported that the gunman might be approaching.

Independent

It was reported that the man stabbed himself.

Independent

"It was reported that several people witnessed him jump".

The New York Times

It was reported that the court had split 10-5.

The Economist

It was reported that a bypass flow of 20% was allowed in type A test.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

Recently it was reported that argon plasma coagulation (APC) is effective for HRP.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was reported that", ensure the source of the report is credible, especially when dealing with sensitive or controversial information. This enhances the reliability of your writing.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "it was reported that", as they can make your writing sound indirect and less engaging. Whenever possible, opt for active voice constructions that directly attribute the information to a source. Instead of "it was reported that the company made a profit", consider "analysts reported the company made a profit."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was reported that" functions as an reporting clause, introducing information conveyed by a secondary source. It serves to attribute statements or findings to an external report, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

34%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was reported that" is a versatile and commonly used reporting phrase suitable for various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct for introducing information from secondary sources. Primarily used in News & Media and Scientific writing, as well as Academia, it maintains a neutral tone. When using the phrase, ensure your sources are credible to uphold the reliability of your writing. While it is a valid phrase, avoid overuse by sometimes incorporating stronger, active-voice alternatives for more direct and engaging communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was announced that

Focuses on a formal declaration or public statement, implying a degree of officialdom that "it was reported that" may not.

it was stated that

Emphasizes the act of making a statement, often implying a formal or official context.

it is alleged that

Indicates that a claim has been made without proof, introducing an element of uncertainty.

according to reports

Refers to multiple accounts or documented information, implying a degree of corroboration.

sources say that

Attributes the information to unnamed sources, suggesting inside knowledge or leaks.

news outlets confirm

Highlights the role of news organizations in verifying and disseminating the information.

observers noted that

Attributes the information to individuals who have witnessed or analyzed the situation.

authorities revealed that

Indicates that official figures have released the information, typically in a formal setting.

details emerged that

Suggests that information has gradually become known over time.

the word is that

Implies an informal communication channel, such as rumors or hearsay.

FAQs

How can I use "it was reported that" in a sentence?

Use "it was reported that" to introduce information that has been conveyed through a secondary source. For example, "it was reported that the meeting was successful" indicates the information comes from a report, not firsthand knowledge.

What are some alternatives to "it was reported that"?

Alternatives include "it was announced that", "it was stated that", or "according to reports". The best choice depends on the context and the degree of formality required.

Is "it was reported that" formal or informal?

"It was reported that" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more direct phrasing might be preferable for informal communication.

What is the difference between "it was reported that" and "it is alleged that"?

"It was reported that" suggests a neutral transmission of information, while "it is alleged that" indicates that a claim has been made but not proven, introducing an element of uncertainty.