it was tossed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was tossed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an object that was thrown or discarded in a casual or informal context. Example: "After the game, the old ball was no longer needed, so it was tossed into the trash."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The program's supporters said it had somehow lost its special allure when it was tossed out of the Tweed Courthouse.

The New York Times

Later it was tossed in a box.

The Washington Post

"If there was a ball, it was tossed".

The New York Times - Books

The children of Gautam Nagar saw his body after it was tossed back over the wall.

The New Yorker

At Creative Time's gala at the Domino Sugar Factory in Brooklyn, it was tossed with pecorino and lemon.

The New York Times

While it was tossed aside in the sterile '90s, the tassel recently has been swinging back into fashion.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The power, and the kick, of the moment is that it's tossed off.

The New York Times

It's tossed deep by Beardsley and Wright's looping header is comfortably saved by Illgner.

The Guardian - Sport

The Brooklyn Museum, which these days snaps up any bone it's tossed, recently hosted one of these things.

The New York Times - Arts

It is tossed with and smothered under melted cheese, tomatoes, olives, salsa, sour cream, peppers and guacamole.

The New York Times

Round and puffy, it's tossed in sugar and served with a cider jelly for dipping.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was tossed", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the action. If a more formal tone is needed, alternatives like "it was discarded" or "it was rejected" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "it was tossed" in highly formal writing or professional reports. Opt for more precise and professional terms such as "it was rejected", "it was discarded", or "it was dismissed" to maintain a consistent level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was tossed" functions as a passive voice construction. According to Ludwig, this indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action, rather than performing it. For example, "The ball it was tossed by the player."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was tossed" is a common phrase used in a passive voice to describe something being thrown away, discarded, or rejected. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While frequently found in news and media, it's important to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives like ""it was discarded"" or ""it was rejected"" in professional settings. The phrase's purpose is primarily descriptive, conveying the action of discarding or rejecting something, and its register ranges from neutral to informal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was discarded

This alternative focuses on the act of getting rid of something deemed useless or unwanted.

it was thrown away

Emphasizes the physical act of throwing something into the trash.

it was rejected

Highlights the act of refusing or not accepting something.

it was cast aside

Suggests a more deliberate and often dismissive act of rejection.

it was chucked

A more informal way to say it was thrown.

it was scrapped

Implies something was removed from a plan or project.

it was dumped

Suggests the item was disposed of quickly and carelessly.

it was relinquished

Suggests a formal act of giving something up.

it was ousted

Indicates a forceful removal from a position or place.

it was turned down

Implies a formal refusal or denial.

FAQs

What does "it was tossed" mean?

The phrase "it was tossed" means something was thrown, discarded, or rejected. The exact meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

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

You can use alternatives like "it was discarded", "it was rejected", or "it was thrown away" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was tossed" formal or informal?

"It was tossed" leans toward the informal side. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "it was discarded" or "it was rejected".

How to use "it was tossed" in a sentence?

You can use "it was tossed" to describe something being thrown or rejected, as in "The old manuscript was deemed irrelevant, so it was tossed into the archive".