it was submitted

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was submitted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about something that someone has already handed in or sent in. For example, "I completed the report and it was submitted to my supervisor last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(From Jefferson to Taft, it was submitted in writing).

The New Yorker

Although it was submitted after the 2009 judgment, it was in essence the same," he wrote.

The Guardian

A motion calling for Labour to adopt it was submitted to Unite's policy conference last week.

The Guardian

It's only a coincidence that it was submitted during the holiday season.

The Guardian - Tech

It was submitted to magistrates on July 2, two days before the investigation was initially closed.

The New York Times

Representative Glenn Thompson, Republican of Pennsylvania, supported the nomination when it was submitted in September.

The New York Times

The current bill has no chance of passage and they had to have known that when it was submitted".

The New York Times

It was submitted in 1864 but, in a situation familiar to scientists everywhere, was held up in peer review.

The Guardian

It was submitted by Gretchen, who stated that our sister had passed away peacefully at her home.

The New Yorker

The first request was "How do I know if my dog is gay?" It was submitted by Russo's sister.

Independent

The agency has received more than 300,000 comments on the petition since it was submitted last year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was submitted" when you want to emphasize the action of presenting something formally or officially. This phrase works well in reports, legal documents, and academic papers.

Common error

Avoid replacing the passive construction "it was submitted" with an active voice construction if you want to maintain an objective or formal tone. For example, instead of "The author submitted the manuscript", consider "The manuscript was submitted" to focus on the manuscript itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was submitted" functions as a passive voice construction. It emphasizes the action of submitting rather than the actor, often used to maintain objectivity or formality. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

40%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was submitted" is a common and grammatically sound passive construction used to indicate that something has been formally presented. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and versatile across various contexts. While frequently seen in news and scientific sources, it maintains a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for reports, documents, and papers. Remember to use this phrase to emphasize the action rather than the actor, and be mindful of the tone you wish to convey. Consider alternatives like "it was presented" or "it was handed in" based on the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was handed in

Replaces "submitted" with the more informal "handed in".

it was presented

Focuses on the act of showing or offering something formally.

it was filed

Implies a formal submission, often for official records.

it was tendered

Suggests a formal offer or proposal.

it was lodged

Similar to filed, implying placement in an official location.

it was forwarded

Indicates that something was sent on to another party.

it was referred

Suggests that something was directed to a specific person or authority.

it was delivered

Focuses on the act of conveying something to a destination.

it was dispatched

Implies that something was sent quickly and efficiently.

it was conveyed

Emphasizes the communication or transfer of something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was submitted" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "it was presented", "it was tendered", or "it was lodged", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "it was submitted" and "it was handed in"?

"It was submitted" is generally more formal and appropriate for official contexts, while "it was handed in" is more informal and suitable for casual situations. The best choice depends on the tone you want to convey.

In what kind of documents should I use "it was submitted"?

"It was submitted" is ideal for formal reports, legal documents, academic papers, and any other context where a formal or objective tone is desired. Using it helps maintain a professional and unbiased voice.

Is "it was submitted by" grammatically correct, and how does it change the meaning?

Yes, "it was submitted by" is grammatically correct. Adding "by" indicates who performed the action of submitting. For example, "The report was submitted by the research team" specifies who submitted the report.