it was spoilt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was spoilt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been damaged, ruined, or made unfit for use, often referring to food or experiences. Example: "The milk was left out too long, and by the time I got to it, it was spoilt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But if that was any consolation for John, it was spoilt by the shock of the other information the officer – who has declined to comment – then handed over.

The Guardian

Sgt David Pye, from Sussex Police, said: "Nevill battled on through the rain to put on what should have been an enjoyable community event, but it was spoilt for many by the aggressive and anti-social activities of a minority of people.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Transformers: Age Of Extinction wasn't spoiled by a TMI trailer; it was spoiled by its own vapidity.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But it was spoiled by a promo for the morning show to run nine hours later.

The New York Times

("M neglected to wash the asparagus so it was spoiled by a lot of sand").

The Economist

But when he asked if she was a Virgin, she couldn't speak and it was spoiled.

The New Yorker

But whatever the cause of my anxiety, it was spoiling the build-up to the big night for me.

The Guardian - Music

He buried a waist cloth and wore it when it was spoiled to illustrate the fate of Jerusalem, which had worshipped other gods than Yahweh.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Likewise, he championed public housing for the working poor but lamented that it was spoiled when the courts forced it to keep misbehaving tenants.

The New York Times

"From the finished product, I wanted to go back to the architect's pure idea, the idealized form, before it was spoiled by mistakes and compromises".

The New York Times - Arts

It was spoiled only by a 27-23 loss in the Sugar Bowl against Penn State, which was voted national champion in both the coaches and news media poll.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event or experience that was negatively affected, use "it was spoilt" to convey a sense of disappointment or frustration. For instance, "The picnic was spoilt by the sudden downpour."

Common error

Avoid using "it was spoilt" when describing situations that involve intentional sabotage or malicious intent. Instead, opt for terms like "sabotaged" or "ruined" to accurately reflect the deliberate nature of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was spoilt" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something experienced an undesirable change or outcome. Ludwig AI highlights its use in describing events negatively impacted. The auxiliary verb "was" combines with the past participle "spoilt" to form the passive voice.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was spoilt" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to convey that something has been negatively impacted or ruined. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, the phrase is primarily found in news articles and general discourse. When writing, remember to consider the connotation and ensure the situation truly reflects an unintended negative outcome rather than intentional sabotage. For alternatives, consider phrases like "it was ruined" or "it was damaged" for varied emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was ruined

Focuses on the state of being irreparably damaged.

it was damaged

Emphasizes the physical or functional harm inflicted.

it was tainted

Suggests a negative influence or contamination.

it was corrupted

Implies a loss of integrity or moral purity.

it was marred

Highlights the act of blemishing or disfiguring.

it was defiled

Conveys a sense of desecration or violation.

it was impaired

Indicates a reduction in quality or functionality.

it was compromised

Suggests a weakening or vulnerability.

it was undone

Focuses on the nullification of a positive outcome.

it was wrecked

Emphasizes the catastrophic nature of the damage.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was spoilt" to describe how something was ruined or negatively affected. For example, "The surprise party was spoilt when she accidentally found out about it".

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

You can use alternatives like "it was ruined", "it was damaged", or "it was tainted" depending on the specific context.

Is "it was spoilt" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was spoilt" is grammatically correct. It uses the past tense of the verb "to spoil" in the passive voice.

What's the difference between "it was spoilt" and "it spoiled"?

"It was spoilt" is in the passive voice, meaning something else caused the spoiling. "It spoiled" is in the active voice, meaning "it" (the subject) caused itself to spoil. For example, "The milk was spoilt by the heat" vs. "The milk spoiled in the heat".