it was spared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was spared" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that was saved from harm, destruction, or a negative outcome. Example: "In the disaster, many homes were destroyed, but fortunately, one house was spared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Unlike most churches in Barcelona it was not damaged during the revolution - it was spared because of its 'artistic value' people said".

The Guardian - Arts

Unlike most churches in Barcelona it was not damaged during the revolution - it was spared because of its 'artistic value' people said". Gaudí died in 1926, 10 years before the civil war began.

The Guardian - Arts

It was spared yet another great-power war in either Europe or, after Korea in 1950-53, in Asia.

The Economist

It was spared only because of lobbying by Xie Fei, the relatively liberal party chief of Guangdong at the time.

The New York Times

If you notice a company-wide or departmental-wide layoff, don't stay in your role just because it was spared this round of layoffs.

Columbia University

It was spared the presence of carpetbaggers who might have tried to manipulate occupation policy to serve their private interests.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

It has been spared the price rises recently imposed on Russia's other neighbours.

The Economist

It's spared by basmati rice.

The New York Times - Magazine

One hiccup in one location, and China is out of insurance and a lot else besides.China will suffer even if it is spared catastrophes.

The Economist

It was spare, nervy music created in reaction to the embarrassing excesses of arena rock.

The New Yorker

It was spare, vulnerable and raw: the exact opposite of the exuberant, even maximalist videos we've come to expect from the No Doubt frontwoman. .

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was spared", ensure that the subject is clearly defined and that the context provides a clear understanding of what negative outcome was avoided. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive voice. While "it was spared" is grammatically correct, active voice often makes writing more direct and engaging. Consider rephrasing to emphasize the actor that did the sparing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was spared" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something or someone received exemption from an impending negative experience. Ludwig AI confirms its valid grammatical usage. This construction shifts the focus from the actor to the recipient of the action, highlighting the state of being unaffected by something detrimental.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was spared" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction, predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression conveys a sense of relief that something or someone avoided harm or destruction. While the phrase is neutral in register, it's advisable to avoid overusing passive constructions for more direct writing. Alternatives such as "it was saved" or "it was preserved" can also be considered based on context. The phrase is useful in situations that discuss preservation, historical events, or disaster reports where there is a sense of relief over something that has avoided damage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was saved

Emphasizes the act of rescuing or protecting something from danger or destruction.

it was preserved

Highlights the maintenance of something in its original condition, avoiding decay or damage.

it was exempted

Focuses on being freed from an obligation or requirement that others are subject to.

it was protected

Stresses the measures taken to guard something against harm or interference.

it was salvaged

Suggests rescuing something from potential loss or ruin.

it was rescued

Focuses on being saved from a dangerous or distressing situation.

it was avoided

Highlights the act of preventing something negative from happening.

it was missed

Implies dodging something that might have had detrimental effects.

it was passed over

Suggests something was not selected or affected, while others were.

it was passed by

Emphasizes something being untouched or unaffected during a sequence of events.

FAQs

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

Use "it was spared" to indicate that something or someone avoided a negative experience or outcome. For example, "The building was damaged, but the original facade "it was spared"".

What are some alternatives to "it was spared"?

Alternatives include "it was saved", "it was preserved", or "it was rescued", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "it was spared" or "it was saved"?

Both phrases are valid, but "it was spared" often implies that something was at risk of being damaged or destroyed, while "it was saved" is more general and suggests active intervention to prevent harm.

In what contexts is "it was spared" commonly used?

"It was spared" is often used in historical accounts, disaster reports, or discussions about preservation efforts, where the focus is on something that narrowly avoided a negative fate. For example, "Unlike most churches in Barcelona it was not damaged during the revolution - "it was spared" because of its 'artistic value' people said".