it was retracted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was retracted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been withdrawn or taken back, such as a statement, article, or claim. Example: "After further review, it was retracted due to inaccuracies in the data presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It was retracted, and 17 lawmakers were defeated in the May primary.

The New York Times

Officials from both countries denied this story, refusing to come out of the bathroom until it was retracted.

The New York Times

It wanted pilots to keep their landing gear extended after a blowout, partly to ensure that the damaged gear did not get stuck when it was retracted.

The New York Times

Further investigations revealed that the 1998 paper had violated research ethics and contained false claims, and thus in 2010 it was retracted by the journal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was retracted and corrected.

Forbes

It was retracted in 2003 after an UVM investigation.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Late Thursday, the firm said it was retracting its findings for American Airlines, and modifying its results for United Airlines, because its survey team had contacted the airlines via Twitter accounts that were inactive.

The New York Times

On Thursday, sportswear maker Adidas said it was retracting its profit forecasts for 2009 because the economic environment was simply too uncertain.

Forbes

5 23 p.m. | Updated The weekly public radio program "This American Life" said on Friday that it was retracting a critical report about Apple's suppliers in China because the storyteller, Mike Daisey, had embellished details in the narrative.

The New York Times

Then on March 16, HarperCollins, Mr. Maier's publisher, announced that it was retracting a four-page anecdote in the book in which Mr. Maier mistakenly reported that Mr. Cramer was investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission for insider trading in shares of the Western Digital Corporation, which makes hard drives.

The New York Times - Style

In May, Theranos announced that it was retracting the results of tens of thousands of blood tests that doctors had depended on to care for patients over the last two years.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was retracted" when referring to the formal withdrawal of a statement, publication, or claim, especially due to errors or inaccuracies. This is commonly used in academic and journalistic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it were retracted" instead of the correct form "it was retracted". Ensure that the singular pronoun "it" is paired with the singular verb form "was".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was retracted" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a specific entity (represented by "it") underwent the action of being withdrawn or taken back. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was retracted" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the formal withdrawal of something, particularly due to errors or inaccuracies. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "it was withdrawn" and "it was rescinded", offering alternative ways to convey the same meaning. When using this phrase, ensure correct subject-verb agreement and be mindful of its formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was withdrawn

Emphasizes the action of taking something back, removing it from consideration or publication.

it was rescinded

Highlights the formal cancellation or annulment of a decision or law.

it was revoked

Suggests a formal and authoritative cancellation of a privilege or right.

it was repealed

Specifically refers to the annulment of a law or statute.

it was nullified

Indicates that something has been made void or ineffective.

it was invalidated

Similar to nullified, but often used in a legal or formal context.

it was cancelled

A more general term for stopping or discontinuing something.

it was reversed

Implies that a previous decision or action has been turned around.

it was taken back

A straightforward way of saying something was removed or withdrawn.

it was disavowed

Suggests a formal denial of responsibility or support for something.

FAQs

How to use "it was retracted" in a sentence?

Use "it was retracted" to indicate that something, such as a statement or a scientific paper, has been formally withdrawn. For example, "The article was found to contain errors, so "it was retracted" by the journal".

What can I say instead of "it was retracted"?

You can use alternatives like "it was withdrawn", "it was rescinded", or "it was taken back" depending on the context.

Is "it was retracted" formal or informal language?

"It was retracted" is generally considered formal language, suitable for professional, academic, and journalistic contexts. In more informal settings, you might prefer using phrases like "it was taken back".

What's the difference between "it was retracted" and "it was corrected"?

"It was retracted" means that something was completely withdrawn, usually due to significant errors or flaws. "It was corrected" means that errors were identified and fixed, but the original item remains available with the corrections made.