it was urged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was urged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that someone has strongly recommended or suggested something in the past. Example: "During the meeting, it was urged that we reconsider our marketing strategy to better align with current trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It was urged by Hillary Clinton, Leon Panetta, and Gen. Martin Dempsey.

The New York Times

BBC Online's audience appreciation score declined slightly last year, and it was urged by the BBC Trust to "attract a wider range of users".

Independent

It was urged on him by his Caesar Galerius and prolonged in the East for a decade (until 311) by Galerius as Augustus and by other emperors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the same time it was urged that a war memorial be laid out, and a boulevard built connecting the Met.

The New Yorker

After the 1992 riots it was urged to set up a department-wide computer system, but nothing happened.Mr Bratton's third New York measure drawing on academic theories about the consequences of "broken windows"—was to focus on small infractions of the law, which can lead to greater crimes.

The Economist

It's a fight his supporters are all apparently prepared for; time and again on Friday, it was urged on the crowd that they should be ready, if he's elected in September, to redouble the fight, and come out battling, rather than defensive.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Campaigns, like the Co-operative's "Plan Bee" or the BBC's "Bee Part of It", are urging the public to support bee colonies.

Independent

The Parents Television Council said Tuesday that it was urging Red Bull and Zeno Hot Spot to remove ads from future episodes.

The New York Times

Robert T. Abele, president of corporate payment systems at U.S. Bancorp, said it was urging top corporate clients to test the software.

The New York Times

Brunswick, based in Brunswick, Me., said it was urging shareholders not to take action until the board's recommendation.

The New York Times

Qwest, the nation's fourth-largest local telephone company, said that it was urging the Federal Communications Commission to adopt similar rules nationally.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was urged", ensure the subject of the urging is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, "It was urged by the committee that the proposal be approved."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it was urged" can sound overly formal or passive. In many cases, a more direct and active construction will improve clarity and impact. For example, instead of "It was urged that changes be made," consider "The committee urged that changes be made."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was urged" functions as a passive construction used to indicate that a strong recommendation or persuasive argument was made. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it often introduces a proposed action or decision.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was urged" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that a strong recommendation or suggestion was made. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it's frequently found in news and scientific contexts, writers should be mindful of its somewhat formal tone and passive construction. Consider using more direct and active alternatives when appropriate to enhance clarity and impact. Remember to specify who is doing the urging to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was recommended

Indicates a formal suggestion or endorsement.

it was advised

Suggests a cautionary recommendation based on expertise.

it was suggested

Implies a more tentative or less forceful recommendation.

it was advocated

Conveys a sense of active support and promotion.

it was proposed

Highlights the presentation of an idea for consideration.

a call was made

Emphasizes the act of requesting or demanding something.

pressure was applied

Suggests external forces pushing for a certain action.

an appeal was launched

Highlights a public request for support or action.

they pushed for

Indicates an active and determined effort to achieve something.

a plea was issued

Conveys a sense of urgency or desperation in the request.

FAQs

What does "it was urged" mean?

The phrase "it was urged" means that someone strongly recommended or advised a particular course of action. It suggests a compelling reason or necessity behind the suggestion.

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

You can use alternatives like "it was recommended", "it was advised", or "it was suggested" depending on the context and the strength of the recommendation.

Is "it was urged" formal or informal?

"It was urged" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, you might use phrases like "they pushed for it" or "they really wanted it".

How do I use "it was urged" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "During the meeting, "it was urged" that we allocate more resources to the marketing campaign.". Be sure to specify who did the urging and what they urged.