it was unleashed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was unleashed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the release or emergence of something, often with a sense of power or intensity. Example: "Once the secret was revealed, chaos was unleashed in the small town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Since it was unleashed, Stuxnet has spread to plants around the world.

The New York Times

Jose Reina elected to gamble rather than save the actual shot when it was unleashed.

Independent

Age: It was unleashed on the planet in 1958, making it 55 in your Earth years.

The Guardian

In any event, the influenza virus, highly variable in its power and spread, is not an optimal terrorist weapon, not least because no one would know for sure if it was unleashed by a terrorist or natural forces.

The New York Times

He was building a reputation as an online tastemaker, spotlighting up-and-coming artists and advocating for a taste level that would be receptive to Rocky's sound when it was unleashed.

The New York Times - Arts

The share price of SGL Carbon, which was previously buried in the Hoechst chemicals empire, has soared some 350% since it was unleashed on the stock exchange in April 1995.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

New Labour imagined it would always be able to "manage" the market forces it was unleashing on the NHS.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the floor of the House during the removal debates, Representative Henry Storrs of New York implicitly warned the South about what it was unleashing.

The New York Times - Books

Randa Slim, at the Middle East Institute in Washington, said the move raised questions about whether the Trump administration knew what it was unleashing when it further empowered the Saudis.

The New York Times

The Roberts Supreme Courtt had no idea what it was unleashing on our democracy and on the American people when six years ago this week, the Court issued the Citizens United decision.

Huffington Post

If the Boxster is this good, how great will the coming Cayman – its stiffer, tin-top cousin – be, particularly when  it is unleashed in coming years carrying the higher-performance "R" badge on its posterior?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was unleashed", ensure the subject is something that can plausibly be released or set in motion, such as a force, a virus, or an emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "it was unleashed" when a more neutral term like "released" or "activated" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a strong connotation and can sound overly dramatic in certain contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was unleashed" functions as a passive verb phrase. It typically describes the action of something being released or set in motion, often with a sense of force or suddenness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was unleashed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase that conveys the sense of something being released or initiated with force. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its prevalence in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian highlights its suitability for news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the slightly dramatic tone and choose more neutral alternatives like ""it was released"" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was unleashed upon

Specifically denotes target of being unleashed. It shifts the focus to the recipient of the action.

it was released

This is a more general and neutral alternative, lacking the sense of force or impact.

it was let loose

Similar to "it was unleashed", but can sometimes imply a lack of control.

it was set free

Implies liberation or removal of constraints, suggesting a positive connotation in some contexts.

it was triggered

Implies a reaction or consequence resulting from a specific event or action.

it was activated

Suggests a process or mechanism being initiated, often in a technical or formal context.

it was discharged

Often used in the context of weapons or energy, implying a forceful release.

it was initiated

A more technical alternative referring to a formal beginning.

it was commenced

A more formal alternative suggesting the beginning of something.

it was propagated

Suggests spreading or disseminating something widely.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it was unleashed" is used to describe something being released or set in motion with force or intensity. For example, "Since "it was unleashed", Stuxnet has spread to plants around the world."

What's a good alternative to "it was unleashed"?

Alternatives include "it was released", "it was set free", or "it was activated", depending on the context. Choose the alternative that best conveys the intended meaning and tone.

Is "it was unleashed" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was unleashed" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly found in news and media, where a slightly dramatic tone is acceptable. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use this phrase.

What's the difference between "it was unleashed" and "it was launched"?

While both phrases imply something being set in motion, "it was unleashed" suggests a more forceful or uncontrolled release, while "it was launched" typically refers to a planned or deliberate initiation, often of a product or campaign.