it was stuck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it was stuck' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing an object or a situation that is unable to move or be moved. For example: The door would not open; it was stuck.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was stuck, its door partly open.

The New York Times

Even more than other global miners, it was stuck in its ways.

The Economist

The game's success also caused Taito to fall behind in the technological arms race of the time, because it was stuck supporting its massive platform.

The New Yorker

While Merrill made its fair share of mistakes here, it was stuck trying to make water run uphill.

The New York Times

This time, Lehman couldn't sell its immense hunk of bridge equity, and it was stuck with a $2.2 billion ownership stake that nobody wanted.

The New York Times

It was stuck at second best.

The New York Times - Sports

It was stuck in a gridlock.

The Guardian

"It was stuck to everything around it".

The New York Times - Health

It was stuck on his back.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

A yellow Post-it was stuck to his forehead.

The New Yorker

That doesn't mean it is stuck in its ways.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternative phrasing like "it was jammed" or "it was lodged" to provide a more vivid or specific description, depending on the cause of the immobility.

Common error

Avoid using "it was stuck" in highly abstract contexts where a more nuanced term might be appropriate. For example, instead of saying "the project was stuck", consider "the project was stalled" or "the project was delayed" to better convey the nature of the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was stuck" functions as an independent clause, expressing a state of being unable to move or progress. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of grammatical correctness. The examples in Ludwig show its versatile use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was stuck" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a state of immobility or the inability to progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility makes it suitable for both literal and figurative contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, "it was stuck" serves to convey that something is fixed, held, or otherwise unable to move forward. While perfectly acceptable in neutral registers, writers should consider more nuanced terms for highly formal or technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it became lodged

Replaces "stuck" with "lodged", emphasizing the physical act of being fixed in place.

it remained immobile

Uses "immobile" to highlight the lack of movement or progress.

it was immobilized

Focuses on the state of being made unable to move.

it couldn't be dislodged

Emphasizes the difficulty in removing something that is stuck.

it was trapped

Suggests a situation where something is unable to escape.

it was fixed in place

Highlights the immobility due to being firmly positioned.

it was jammed

Indicates a mechanical or forceful obstruction preventing movement.

it was caught

Implies being held or fastened in a certain position.

it was held fast

Emphasizes a firm and unyielding grip.

it was unable to move

States directly the inability to move from a certain place.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was stuck" to describe something that is unable to move or progress. For example, "The key "was stuck" in the lock", or "The company "was stuck" in a rut".

What are some alternatives to saying "it was stuck"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "it was jammed", "it was lodged", "it was trapped", or "it was immobile".

Is "it was stuck" formal or informal?

"It was stuck" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific context and surrounding language will influence the overall formality.

Can "it was stuck" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "it was stuck" can be used to describe abstract concepts, but consider whether a more specific term might be more appropriate. For example, you could say "the negotiation "was stuck"", but "the negotiation "was deadlocked"" might be more precise.