it was sanctioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was sanctioned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was officially approved or authorized, often in a legal or formal context. Example: "The new policy was implemented because it was sanctioned by the board of directors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

To be fair to Snapchat, this isn't something the company did on its own — it was sanctioned by the Marley estate.

TechCrunch

One small environmental NGO used air pollution data against the UK government in the European Court of Justice, where it was sanctioned for its failure to protect citizens in 40 of the country's 43 urban zones.

The Guardian

In a written statement, Lowell and co-defence counsel Ruth Wedgwood said Kim was pleading not guilty because the news report that led to the charges "contains completely unremarkable observations about what a country would do if it was sanctioned for its poor behaviour.

The Guardian

It was sanctioned by the censors, and was advancing towards its completion, when Scipio, in 155 B.C., persuaded the senate to command the building to be pulled down as injurious to public morality (Liv. Epit. 48).

University of Chicago

And many believed it was sanctioned from above.

The New York Times

"It was sanctioned by the government," Admiral Mullen told journalists during a Pentagon briefing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Why would the existence of a more limited definition put Congress on notice that it was sanctioning a more expansive view?

Los Angeles Times

It's sanctioned by God, Samson's murderous feelings, his unseemly desire to get even.

Yale University

Another that would permit such action if it were sanctioned by the United Nations was approved.

The New York Times

Homophobia is worse, he says, because it is sanctioned by government and religion.

The New York Times

The threat is there whether or not it's sanctioned by the president".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was sanctioned" to denote formal approval, especially in legal, official, or ethical contexts where authorization carries significant weight.

Common error

Avoid using "it was sanctioned" loosely to mean simply 'allowed' or 'permitted'. Sanction implies a deeper level of endorsement or formal approval, not mere tolerance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was sanctioned" functions as a passive construction, indicating that an action or decision received official authorization or approval. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was sanctioned" effectively communicates that something has been officially approved or authorized. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and finds common usage across varied platforms including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While synonyms such as "it was authorized" or "it was approved" exist, "it was sanctioned" carries a nuanced implication of formal endorsement, particularly in legal or ethical contexts. When using the phrase, clarity regarding the sanctioning entity is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was authorized

Emphasizes formal permission or legal right given to an action or event.

it was approved

Focuses on the act of officially agreeing to or accepting something.

it was endorsed

Highlights support or recommendation, often by a person or organization.

it was ratified

Suggests a formal confirmation, especially by vote or consent.

it was legitimized

Implies making something lawful or acceptable.

it was validated

Focuses on confirming the accuracy or legitimacy of something.

it was permitted

Indicates that something was allowed but doesn't necessarily imply endorsement.

it was decreed

Suggests a formal and authoritative order or command.

it was commissioned

Highlights the act of formally ordering or requesting something.

it was mandated

Emphasizes a compulsory requirement or instruction.

FAQs

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

Use "it was sanctioned" to indicate that something received formal approval or authorization. For example, "The project proceeded because "it was sanctioned" by the council".

What's the difference between "it was sanctioned" and "it was approved"?

"It was sanctioned" implies a formal endorsement or authorization, often with legal or ethical implications. "It was approved" is a more general term for agreeing to something. Consider the context to choose the more appropriate phrase.

Are there synonyms for "it was sanctioned"?

Yes, synonyms include "it was authorized", "it was endorsed", or "it was ratified", each with slightly different nuances. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "it was sanctioned" over other alternatives?

Use "it was sanctioned" when emphasizing formal approval, especially in scenarios involving legal, ethical, or regulatory oversight. If the approval is more general, consider alternatives like "it was approved" or "it was permitted".