it was sailed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was sailed" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to sailing or maritime activities, indicating that something was transported or moved by a sailing vessel. Example: "The ship was ready, and it was sailed across the ocean to deliver the cargo."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But that did not stop the Royal Yacht Squadron, in conjunction with the New York Yacht Club, from organizing an ambitious Jubilee regatta to commemorate that first race in the same waters in which it was sailed.

The New York Times - Sports

The vehicle reached Casablanca, French Morocco, on 16 March 1951, and the British territory of Gibraltar in mid April, after it was sailed across the Straits of Gibraltar.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For his spring collection, on Friday, it was sailing.

The New York Times

By the time he spotted the ball, it was sailing over his head.

The New York Times - Sports

It was sailing in poor conditions near the island of Othonoi, north-west of Corfu when the call was made.

Independent

Now that it's sailed beyond Pluto, what comes next for NASA' s New Horizons spacecraft?

Huffington Post

But it's sailing.

The New York Times

It is sailing toward the gulf.

The New York Times - Science

It is sailing off Corfu," a shipping ministry official said.

Independent

It's sailing towards the horizon and we all know who to thank.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It hasn't gotten to its destination yet, but it's sailing in the right direction.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was sailed" when referring specifically to movement via a sailing vessel, whether literal or figurative.

Common error

Avoid replacing "it was sailed" with terms like "it was shipped" if the context specifically requires a sailing vessel. Shipping applies to broader methods of transport, not solely sailing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was sailed" functions as a passive construction indicating that something was transported or navigated by means of a sailing vessel. Ludwig indicates grammatical correctness, validating this functional analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was sailed" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to describe the transportation or navigation of something via a sailing vessel. As Ludwig confirms, it's used in contexts relating to maritime activity, found primarily in news and media sources, and Wikipedia. While relatively rare, its specific meaning makes it appropriate when the sailing method is important to convey. When using "it was sailed", ensure that a sailing vessel is the correct mode of transport to avoid misrepresenting the method used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was transported by sea

Emphasizes the mode of transportation, specifically by sea.

it was conveyed by ship

Highlights the vessel used for conveyance.

it was carried by boat

Similar to 'conveyed by ship' but uses a more general term 'boat'.

it was shipped

Focuses on the action of shipping or sending goods.

it was navigated

Highlights the act of navigation.

it was voyaged

Focuses on the journey aspect of sailing.

it was seafaring

Highlights the action of travelling on the sea.

it was floated

Emphasizes the action of floating.

it was cruised

Indicates a leisurely journey by sea.

it was taken by sea

Simply states the method of transportation.

FAQs

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

Use "it was sailed" to describe something transported or navigated by a sailing vessel, as in "The antique ship model was delicate, so "it was sailed" with great care across the Atlantic".

What's a good alternative to "it was sailed"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "it was sailed" include "it was shipped", "it was transported by sea", or "it was conveyed by ship".

Is "it was sailed" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was sailed" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards formal due to the specific vocabulary related to maritime activities.

What does "it was sailed" imply?

The phrase "it was sailed" implies that a sailing vessel was the primary mode of transportation or navigation for the subject in question. It specifies a particular type of marine transit.