it was vacated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was vacated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a place or space has been emptied or abandoned, often in legal or formal contexts. Example: "The apartment was no longer available for rent because it was vacated by the previous tenants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The building continued to serve as the headquarters for the Perth City Council from its completion until 1994, when it was vacated to allow for the removal of asbestos which had been used to insulate the building's steel frame.

Wikipedia

A police station was also blown up in the Sadr City slum in Baghdad, but after it was vacated.

The New York Times

They weren't at the building when it was vacated and when they finally got there they didn't do a thing".

The New York Times

Lewis has said not – the former industrial estate was making more before it was vacated for the school, a statement from his office says.

The Guardian

Ransacking a site considered sacred by some Jews, hundreds of Palestinians overran the site known as Joseph's Tomb today, hours after it was vacated by Israeli troops.

The New York Times

Turns out another vacancy opened for former NSW branch secretary, Dastyari, when another former NSW branch secretary, senator Matt Thistlethwaite, decided to contest the seat of Kingsford Smith after it was vacated by Peter Garrett.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

An application to give listed status to the Coronation Street set, which would help secure its future when it is vacated next year, has been refused.

BBC

In addition to new roads, Staten Island officials are considering building baseball and soccer fields on the landfill when it is vacated.

The New York Times

Locke faced a virtual death sentence: a state order requiring that it be vacated unless the sewage system was repaired, a job that would cost at least $1 million.

The New York Times

Buyers and brokers say that the opportunity to deregulate an apartment once it is vacated and the rent that a new tenant can legally be charged reaches $2,000 has little effect on the sales market.

The New York Times

Officials at the Hudson River Park Trust, which is designing a park that will be built at the pier after it is vacated, complained that they and local residents were not informed of the demolition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was vacated" when you want to indicate that a place or position has been left empty, either temporarily or permanently. For instance, "The office was vacated due to renovations".

Common error

Avoid using "it was vacated" when referring to people or animate subjects. "Vacated" is typically used for places or positions, not individuals. Instead, use phrases like "he/she left" or "he/she resigned".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was vacated" functions as a passive construction, indicating that 'it' (a place, position, etc.) underwent the action of being emptied or abandoned. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was vacated" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to describe a place or position that has been emptied or abandoned. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and readily usable. It frequently appears in neutral to formal contexts, primarily within news and media sources, and to a lesser extent in Wiki and business publications. To ensure proper usage, avoid applying the term to animate subjects and consider simpler alternatives in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was left unoccupied

Directly states the lack of occupancy.

it was emptied

Focuses on the act of removing contents, making it empty.

it was made vacant

Highlights the state of being made empty or available.

it was abandoned

Emphasizes the act of being deserted or forsaken.

it was evacuated

Implies a removal of people due to danger or necessity.

it was cleared

Suggests that obstructions or occupants were removed.

it was deserted

Highlights the state of being left alone or unoccupied.

it was relinquished

Indicates a voluntary surrender or giving up of possession.

it was yielded

Suggests a forced or willing surrender.

it was made available

Focuses on being ready for use by someone else.

FAQs

What does "it was vacated" mean?

The phrase "it was vacated" means that a place, position, or object has been emptied or abandoned. For example, "The apartment "it was vacated" by the previous tenants".

When should I use "it was vacated" in a sentence?

Use "it was vacated" when you want to indicate that a space or position has been left empty. It's often used in formal or legal contexts. Example: "The premises "it was vacated" following the investigation".

What are some alternatives to "it was vacated"?

Alternatives include "it was emptied", "it was abandoned", or "it was left unoccupied". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "it was vacated" formal or informal?

"It was vacated" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more informal contexts, you might use simpler alternatives like "it was left" or "it was abandoned".