it was unlocked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was unlocked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something, such as a door or a device, was not secured and could be accessed freely at a certain time in the past. Example: "When I arrived at the office, I found that it was unlocked, so I let myself in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It was unlocked.

The New York Times

In that case, someone would make sure it was unlocked.

The New York Times - Magazine

The scooter beeped, telling me that it was unlocked, and I was off.

The New York Times - Tech

So I thought, I wonder if that's true.... Tried his boot and, lo and behold, it was unlocked.

The New York Times - Magazine

An employee of the clinic making a check of the lot noted the car because it was unlocked.

The New York Times

When I tested the gate, it was unlocked, but the entrance lay across an empty parking lot and up a wooden ramp.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

On Wednesday, however, Ubisoft announced that it was unlocking the chests for all gamers.

The Guardian - Tech

And I would listen to people on the radio like cool DJ Red Alert and Mister Magic like it was unlocking some kind of secret, cracking a code," he said.

Huffington Post

Once it's unlocked, it remains unlocked as long as the Apple Watch is on your wrist.

TechCrunch

The device provides full encryption at all times and cannot be used unless it is unlocked by its legitimate owner.

TechCrunch

"It's unlocked.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was unlocked", ensure that the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "it was unlocked" automatically implies malicious intent. It might simply indicate forgetfulness or negligence. Adjust your writing to reflect the appropriate nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was unlocked" functions as a statement of fact, indicating the state of something (door, device, etc.) at a specific point in the past. Ludwig examples show its use in describing discovered states or situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was unlocked" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a past state of being, indicating that something was not secured. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase appears in diverse contexts, from news reports to technical guides, conveying information about accessibility or potential security issues. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the context clarifies what "it" refers to and to avoid assumptions about malicious intent. Consider alternatives like "it was open" or "it wasn't locked" for nuanced meanings. Ultimately, "it was unlocked" serves as a clear and direct way to communicate a specific state of access or security.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it wasn't locked

A direct negation, highlighting the absence of a locking mechanism.

it had been opened

Focuses on the action of opening rather than the state of being unlocked.

it was accessible

Emphasizes the ability to access something, not specifically the unlocking action.

it was left open

Suggests a state of being open, possibly implying negligence.

it could be accessed

Highlights the potential for access, implying possibility.

it was unsecured

Emphasizes a lack of security or protection.

it was unfastened

Implies that something was previously fastened or secured but is no longer.

it was unbarred

Suggests the removal of a bar or other barrier.

it yielded easily

Focuses on the ease with which access was gained.

it presented no barrier

Highlights the absence of any obstacle preventing entry or access.

FAQs

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

Use "it was unlocked" to describe a state where something was not secured. For example: "When I arrived, "it was unlocked", so I walked right in."

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

You can use alternatives like "it was open", "it was accessible", or "it wasn't locked" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "it was unlocked with a key"?

Yes, using "it was unlocked with a key" is generally redundant. The act of unlocking typically implies the use of a key or similar mechanism. Simply saying ""it was unlocked"" is usually sufficient.

Which is correct: "it was unlocked" or "it had been unlocked"?

Both ""it was unlocked"" and "it had been unlocked" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "It was unlocked" describes a state discovered in the past. "It had been unlocked" emphasizes that the unlocking occurred at some point before another past event.