it was shipped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it was shipped' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to indicate that something (e.g. a package or item) has been sent somewhere, either in past or present tense. For example: "I ordered the book online last week, and it was shipped yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Now, with Galileo one its way to Houston (it was shipped overland by truck) the end of its long voyage is in sight.

Huffington Post

In '42 it was shipped to Britain and America, where Dr. Victor Froelicher recognized its value & turned it over to the Bureau of Entomology & Plant Quarantine.

The New Yorker

Then it was shipped great distances.

The New Yorker

It was shipped back to the U.K. in August.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was shipped from the US in bits, with instructions.

The Guardian - Travel

It was shipped to New Jersey to be recycled.

The New Yorker

I ordered the wine and it was shipped to me.

The New York Times - Food

But what if it was shipped to Syria 25 years ago?

The New York Times

The middlemen picked it up and then it was shipped off to countries far away".

The New York Times

It was shipped in pieces to the naval base on a barge, then assembled.

The New York Times

Lake sold it to Russia, and it was shipped to Vladivostok.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For greater clarity, include details about the method or carrier used for shipping, such as "it was shipped via FedEx" or "it was shipped by sea".

Common error

Avoid using "it was shipped" when the item was simply carried or transported locally without a formal shipping process. Use alternatives like "it was transported" or "it was moved" to describe general relocation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was shipped" functions as a passive construction indicating that an item or object underwent the action of being transported. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use. This construction emphasizes the item being acted upon rather than the agent performing the shipping.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was shipped" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that employs a passive construction to denote the action of transporting an item from one location to another. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is widely seen across various contexts, prominently within news and media sources, and also encyclopedias and scientific publications. Alternatives such as ""it was sent"" or ""it was transported"" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure that a formal shipping process occurred and remember that further details regarding the means or carrier may enhance clarity. By considering these writing tips, the user can avoid common pitfalls and communicate effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was transported

Replaces "shipped" with a more general term for moving something from one place to another.

it was delivered

Focuses on the arrival of the item, rather than the act of sending.

it was sent

A more basic and direct synonym for "shipped".

it was dispatched

Implies a more formal or official sending of something.

it was forwarded

Suggests that something was sent on to a further destination after arriving somewhere else.

it was conveyed

A more formal and less common synonym for "transported".

it was freighted

Specifically refers to goods being transported, often in bulk.

it was routed

Highlights the planned path or direction of the shipment.

it was moved

A very general term indicating a change in location.

it was consigned

Indicates that something was entrusted to someone for shipment.

FAQs

What does "it was shipped" mean?

"It was shipped" means that something was sent from one place to another, typically via a postal service, courier, or other shipping company. It implies a formal process of transportation and delivery.

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

You can use alternatives like "it was sent", "it was transported", or "it was delivered" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it has been shipped" instead of "it was shipped"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "It was shipped" refers to a completed action in the past, while "it has been shipped" indicates that the action was completed at some point in the past and is relevant to the present.

How do I track something after "it was shipped"?

After "it was shipped", you'll typically receive a tracking number from the shipping company. You can use this number to monitor the progress of your shipment on the carrier's website.