it was uncovered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was uncovered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been revealed or discovered, often in the context of information, secrets, or physical objects. Example: "After months of investigation, it was uncovered that the company had been involved in fraudulent activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only later its cellular distribution was recognized, and it was uncovered that K15 is a specific basal cell component of the epidermis (Moll et al. 1993a; Lloyd et al. 1995) and other stratified squamous epithelia (Waseem et al. 1999) (see below for its significance in the hair follicle).

Histochemistry and Cell Biology

In particular, although Möbius addition is known in the literature as a hyperbolic translation, its group-like structure had gone unnoticed until it was uncovered by A.A. Ungar in 1988 [1], in the context of Einstein's special theory of relativity.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

When it was uncovered in March 2014, researchers were alarmed by its sophistication, as it was able to take pictures using the phone's camera, record audio and video, listen in on calls and texts, and nab the victim's photos or other data.

Forbes

By a separate shape analysis, it was uncovered that face shape requiring more shearing actions for its formation tended to give rise to a higher charge variation and so did column geometry.

Chemical Engineering Science

It was uncovered during a security operation in County Fermanagh.

The Guardian

The two-day gathering was as important as it was uncovered by the news media.

The New York Times

It was uncovered by CERN, which runs the Large Hadron Collider, the world's biggest particle accelerator.

The Economist

It was written, or at least it was uncovered, by investigative journalists.

Independent

It was uncovered that the catalytic function of carboxyl groups strongly depended on the structure of CNTs.

Carbon

It was uncovered more than two years ago in a travertine quarry near Denizli, in western Turkey.

The New York Times - Science

Recently, it was uncovered that MTs nucleate from preexisting MTs within the mitotic spindle, which requires the protein TPX2, but the mechanism basis for TPX2 action is unknown.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was uncovered", consider whether a more active voice construction would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "it was uncovered that the company was in debt", you could write "investigations uncovered the company's debt".

Common error

Avoid using "it was uncovered" when the active agent is clear and known. Overusing passive voice can make your writing sound vague and less engaging. If you know who uncovered the information, state it directly. For instance, prefer "Researchers uncovered..." instead of "It was uncovered by researchers..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was uncovered" functions as a passive construction, typically introducing a finding or revelation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct way to present information. The passive voice emphasizes the information revealed rather than the agent that uncovered it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was uncovered" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that serves to introduce newly revealed information or discoveries. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide array of contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While "it was uncovered" is a solid choice, consider using more active constructions for directness and clarity. Remember to check that the passive voice use is intentional and adds the desired emphasis, as overusing it could lead to a less engaging and somewhat ambiguous writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was revealed

Focuses on the act of making something known, often implying a deliberate disclosure.

it was discovered

Emphasizes the finding of something that was previously hidden or unknown.

it was found

A more general term for locating or identifying something.

it came to light

Suggests that information gradually became public or apparent.

the facts were disclosed

Highlights the release of factual information, potentially after an investigation.

it was learned

Suggests acquiring knowledge or information, often through experience or investigation.

the truth was unearthed

Implies a more thorough and deliberate investigation to find the truth.

it was detected

Often used when referring to finding something through technical means or observation.

the secret was exposed

Emphasizes the unveiling of something that was intentionally kept hidden.

investigation revealed

Changes to active voice construction.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was uncovered" to introduce a previously unknown fact or discovery. For example, "During the investigation, "it was uncovered" that the suspect had an alibi."

What are some alternatives to "it was uncovered"?

Alternatives include "it was revealed", "it was discovered", or "it came to light", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was uncovered" formal or informal?

"It was uncovered" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal writing might prefer a more direct active voice construction. However, it is perfectly acceptable in a wide range of writing styles.

What's the difference between "it was uncovered" and "it was discovered"?

While similar, "it was uncovered" implies a deliberate act of revealing something hidden, whereas "it was discovered" simply means something was found. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the revealing aspect.