it was shown

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was shown" is an appropriate phrase to use in written English.
You can use it to describe that something was demonstrated or revealed. For example, "It was shown that the new product was effective in treating the condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was shown to me.

The Guardian

It was shown at the N.Y.

The New Yorker

It was shown in this room.

The Guardian

"It was shown in Group Five.

The New Yorker

It was shown with sheer, embroidered French culottes.

The New York Times

It was shown to me by Roland Wald of Denmark.

The New York Times

It was shown for two days only in movie houses.

The Guardian

I bought it the first day it was shown".

The New York Times - Travel

It was shown on national television in Canada.

The New York Times

It was shown at the Locarno Film Festival last August.

The New York Times

The pilot was unfinished when it was shown to HBO.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was shown", ensure the subject performing the action is clear, even if implied. If clarity is needed, rephrase to an active voice (e.g., "researchers showed" instead of "it was shown").

Common error

Avoid using "it was shown" excessively, as it can make writing seem indirect and less engaging. Vary sentence structure by using active voice where appropriate for a more dynamic and compelling style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was shown" primarily functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something has been demonstrated or revealed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound for stating findings. It's prevalent across varied contexts, indicating demonstrated outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"It was shown" is a common passive voice phrase used to indicate that something has been demonstrated, revealed, or proven, often based on evidence or analysis. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in both academic and general writing. The register tends to be neutral to formal, with primary contexts including science and news media. While versatile, be mindful of overuse and consider active voice alternatives like "researchers showed" or "the data suggests" for a more dynamic writing style. Remember to maintain clarity about who or what demonstrated the information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was demonstrated

Replaces "shown" with "demonstrated", emphasizing a formal presentation or proof.

it was revealed

Substitutes "shown" with "revealed", highlighting the act of making something known or visible.

it was proven

Replaces "shown" with "proven", suggesting that something has been established as true or correct.

evidence indicated

Shifts from passive voice to active, focusing on the evidence rather than the act of showing.

research indicated

Similar to 'evidence indicated', this highlights the role of research in demonstrating something.

studies suggested

Emphasizes the suggestive nature of findings, implying further investigation might be needed.

the data suggests

Focuses on the data as the source of information, rather than an unspecified actor.

the analysis revealed

Similar to 'it was revealed', but specifies the method of discovery.

findings suggest

Highlights the results of an investigation without using passive voice.

this demonstrates

Moves to a more active voice, focusing on the action of demonstrating.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "it was shown" that maintain a formal tone?

Alternatives like "it was demonstrated", "it was revealed", or "it was proven" can be used to maintain a formal tone while conveying a similar meaning.

How can I avoid overusing the phrase "it was shown" in my writing?

Try using active voice constructions instead, such as "researchers demonstrated", "the study revealed", or "the data showed". Varying your sentence structure will make your writing more engaging.

Is it always necessary to specify who or what "showed" something when using the phrase "it was shown"?

While not always necessary, specifying the source of the demonstration or revelation can improve clarity and credibility. Consider rephrasing to include the actor if the context requires it.

What is the difference between "it was shown" and "it was suggested"?

"It was shown" implies a higher degree of certainty or proof, while "it was suggested" indicates a possibility or preliminary finding that may require further investigation.