it was won

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was won" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a past event or achievement. Example: "The game was won in the final seconds by a last-minute goal from the star player." This sentence describes a specific event in the past where a team won a game due to a goal scored by a particular player.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was won by Ogden Phipp's Outdoors.

The New Yorker

It was won by one Muriel Spark.

The Guardian - Books

It was won by a secretary.

The Guardian - Business

It was won by Morales (41-0).

The New York Times - Sports

It was won by Lee Trevino.

The New Yorker

It was won by a young Frenchman named d'Oriola.

The New Yorker

It was won by Allison Hunt and Asya Ladyzhensky.

The New York Times

It was won by Arnold Palmer in a surprising finish.

The New Yorker

(It was won, but was overturned on appeal).

The New York Times

In 1343 it was won back by Casimir III.

Britannica

Independent monitors say it was won by the opposition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was won", ensure the subject (what "it" refers to) is clear and unambiguous in the context. For example, instead of "It was won", specify "The competition was won".

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice constructions like "it was won" can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing into active voice for a more direct and engaging style. For example, instead of "The race was won by her", write "She won the race".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was won" primarily functions as a passive construction, indicating that a particular game, competition, or prize has been successfully achieved by someone or something. Ludwig shows that this construction is grammatically correct and used in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was won" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to describe a completed victory or achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news and media to report outcomes, but also appears in encyclopedic contexts. While correct, using the active voice may provide a stronger, more direct writing style. Remember to ensure clarity of the subject when using this phrase and consider alternative phrasings like "victory was secured" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they emerged victorious

Highlights the emergence of someone in a state of victory.

victory was secured

Emphasizes the act of securing a victory, suggesting effort and determination.

the game ended in their favor

Focuses on the favorable outcome of a game or competition.

the championship was earned

Focuses on the effort and merit required to win a championship.

the competition concluded with a win

Highlights the conclusion of a competition with a successful outcome.

the battle resulted in a win

Emphasizes the outcome of a battle or conflict.

the prize was claimed

Focuses on the act of receiving a prize, indicating a successful outcome.

the contest was triumphed in

Highlights the successful triumph in a contest.

success was achieved

Emphasizes the attainment of success, broader than just winning a competition.

triumph was accomplished

Highlights the accomplishment of a triumph, suggesting a significant victory.

FAQs

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

Use "it was won" to describe a past event where something was successfully achieved. For example, "The championship "it was won" after a hard-fought battle".

What's a more active way to say "it was won"?

Instead of saying "it was won", consider using active voice. For example, replace "The game "it was won" by our team" with "Our team won the game".

What are some synonyms for "it was won"?

Alternatives include "victory was secured", "the competition concluded with a win", or "success was achieved". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing a victory?

While both are grammatically correct, active voice often creates a stronger and more direct statement. So, instead of ""it was won"", consider rewriting the sentence in active voice.