it was shot down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was shot down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where an idea, proposal, or object was rejected or destroyed, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The committee reviewed the proposal, but ultimately, it was shot down due to budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As for Cubism, at least in its early form, it was shot down by World War I.

The New York Times - Arts

The plane was returning to its base when it was shot down.

BBC

Iranian officials have said that the aircraft was detected near the town of Kashmar, 140 miles from the Afghan border, and that it was shot down or crashed because its control systems were hacked by the Iranian military.

The New York Times

Turkey has said the Russian plane repeatedly violated its airspace and was warned 10 times before it was shot down by two patrolling F16 fighter jets.

Independent

A Malaysian airliner carrying 295 people has crashed in east Ukraine on its way from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, amid allegations it was shot down.

BBC

Turkey says Peshkov's plane was in its air space and had ignored repeated warnings when it was shot down.

Vice

It was shot down.

The New York Times

And it was shot down?

The Washington Post

It was shot down immediately.

The New York Times

Activists claimed it was shot down.

The Guardian

Once again, it was shot down by the military.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was shot down", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to, whether a physical object like a plane or a metaphorical entity like a proposal. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was shot down" in contexts where a more nuanced or precise verb would be more appropriate. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound repetitive or overly dramatic. Opt for more specific language like "rejected" or "dismissed" depending on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "it was shot down" is a passive voice construction. It indicates that the subject ('it') underwent an action (being shot down) performed by an unspecified agent. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was shot down" functions as a passive construction typically used to describe destruction or forceful rejection. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider more specific alternatives like "rejected" or "dismissed" depending on the desired nuance. Remember to ensure the referent of 'it' is clear and avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was rejected

Implies a formal refusal or non-acceptance of something.

it was turned down

Similar to 'rejected', but can also imply a personal refusal.

it was dismissed

Suggests something was deemed unworthy of consideration or attention.

it was brought down

Implies an action that caused something to fall or collapse.

it was defeated

Indicates a loss in a competition or vote.

it was scrapped

Indicates that something was discarded or abandoned.

it failed

A general term for not succeeding or meeting expectations.

it was vetoed

Specifically refers to the rejection of a law or proposal by an authority.

it was overthrown

Suggests a forceful removal from power or position.

it was invalidated

Suggests that something was declared not legally or officially binding.

FAQs

How can I use "it was shot down" in a sentence?

You can use "it was shot down" to describe the destruction of an object, such as a plane, or the rejection of an idea. For example: "The plane "it was shot down" over enemy territory", or "The proposal "it was shot down" in the meeting".

What does "it was shot down" mean?

"It was shot down" literally means that something, typically an aircraft, was brought down by gunfire or a missile. Metaphorically, it means that something, such as an idea or plan, was decisively rejected or defeated.

What can I say instead of "it was shot down"?

You can use alternatives like "it was rejected", "it was dismissed", or "it failed" depending on the context.

Is "it was shot down" a formal or informal expression?

"It was shot down" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more common in news reports and less formal discussions. In highly formal writing, consider using more precise language like "it was rejected" or "it was overruled".