it was reputed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was reputed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is generally believed or rumored to be true, often without definitive proof. Example: "The ancient castle was reputed to be haunted by the ghost of a former king."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It was reputed to be a new type of gigantic plant-eating dinosaur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At that time it was reputed to have a population of 80,000.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was reputed to be here that Lord Kitchener famously told first world war recruits that "your country needs you".

The Guardian

It was reputed to be one of the best-governed states in Greece, but in the 4th century bc it was racked by civil strife.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its 420-cubic-inch in-line 8-cylinder engine pulled like a train; it was reputed to have a 115-m.p.h.

The New York Times

It was reputed to produce excellent wine, but it ripened late and was susceptible to coulure, a natural condition that can produce extremely low yields.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Moreover, TiO2 is considerably available, inexpensive, non-toxic, and it is reputed for its high chemical stability [3].

Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry

It is reputed for its beneficial effects in the treatment of diarrhoea and cholera, but the claim of its efficacy is yet to be tested.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

It is reputed for its beneficial effects in treatment of diarrhoea [ 3] and cholera [ 4], but the claim of the efficacy is yet to be tested.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

"It's reputed to be undirectable," said Mr. Girard, a Canadian director whose movies include "The Red Violin".

The New York Times - Arts

Domestically, it is reputed to be a brutal place to work.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was reputed" when you want to convey information that is circulating but not necessarily verified. This phrasing adds a layer of detachment, indicating you are reporting a claim rather than asserting a fact.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "it was reputed" as they can make your writing seem vague or indirect. When possible, identify the source of the information for greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was reputed" functions as a reporting verb construction in the passive voice. It introduces information attributed to general opinion or hearsay, distancing the speaker from directly endorsing the statement. Ludwig shows that it often precedes a statement of fact or characteristic.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was reputed" is a versatile phrase used to introduce information attributed to general belief or hearsay, without necessarily confirming its accuracy. Ludwig confirms that this construction functions as a reporting verb in the passive voice, commonly found in news media, encyclopedias, and general informative writing. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's important to avoid overusing passive constructions and, when possible, identify the source of the information for increased clarity. Alternatives like "it was said" or "it was believed" can provide subtle differences in meaning and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was said

A more direct and common way to express attribution of information.

it was believed

Emphasizes a widespread belief rather than a report.

it was rumored

Highlights the uncertainty and potential lack of evidence.

it was alleged

Suggests the information is under dispute or lacks confirmation.

it was understood

Implies a common knowledge or assumption.

it was known

Indicates a generally accepted fact or piece of information.

it was claimed

Highlights that a specific claim was made, possibly needing verification.

the word was

An informal alternative, suggesting the information spread through gossip.

reports indicated

Formal phrasing showing information from multiple sources.

the story goes

Introduces a narrative of questionable authenticity or folklore.

FAQs

How can I use "it was reputed" in a sentence?

Use "it was reputed" to introduce information that is widely circulated or rumored, but not definitively proven. For example: "The old mansion "it was reputed" to be haunted."

What are some alternatives to "it was reputed"?

You can use alternatives such as "it was said", "it was believed", or "it was rumored" depending on the context and the level of certainty you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "it was reputed" or "it is reputed"?

The choice depends on the time frame you're referencing. "It was reputed" refers to a past belief or report, while "it is reputed" suggests a current belief or ongoing reputation. For example, "At that time "it was reputed" to have a population of 80,000" (past) versus "The restaurant "it is reputed" for its excellent service" (present).

What's the difference between "it was reputed" and "it was alleged"?

"It was reputed" suggests a widespread belief or rumor, while "it was alleged" indicates a specific claim that is often unproven or contested. "Alleged" implies a formal accusation or statement that requires substantiation.