it was worked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was worked" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be an attempt to convey that something was completed or accomplished, but it is not a proper construction. Example: "The project was worked on diligently by the team."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Stitched originally with a needle and later with a small hook, tambour takes its name from the round embroidery frame in which it was worked.

Wikipedia

It was worked out.

The New Yorker

Yesterday, the plan, simplistic as it was, worked to perfection.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was worked out within the family," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

The plan, if that's what it was, worked perfectly.

The New York Times

"But the Agreed Framework, as imperfect and ultimately doomed as it was, worked.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

And it was working.

The New York Times

It was working!

The New York Times

But it was working".

The New Yorker

It was working well".

The New York Times

It was working, the agency was growing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider restructuring the sentence to use an active voice, which often results in a clearer and more direct statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it was worked" when a more specific active verb would make the sentence more concise and impactful. For example, instead of "The metal was worked into a sculpture", try "The artist shaped the metal into a sculpture".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was worked" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something received action. While examples exist, Ludwig AI suggests that it is not correct in standard written English and recommends using more specific verbs to enhance clarity. It is a verb phrase commonly found in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it was worked" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI advises caution in its usage. It is grammatically acceptable but often considered less precise than alternative phrasings. Given this assessment, it's best to replace "it was worked" with clearer and more specific verbs that accurately reflect the action being described. By opting for stronger alternatives, you enhance the clarity and impact of your writing. Consider alternatives such as "it was crafted", "it was developed", or ""work was performed on it"" to improve precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was crafted

Emphasizes the skill and artistry involved in creating something.

it was developed

Focuses on the process of improvement and refinement over time.

it was created

Highlights the act of bringing something new into existence.

it was fabricated

Suggests the construction or assembly of something, often from different parts.

it was prepared

Indicates the act of making something ready for a specific purpose.

it was executed

Implies that something was carried out or performed, often with precision.

it was processed

Highlights the steps involved in transforming something from one state to another.

it was shaped

Focuses on the act of giving form or structure to something.

it was formulated

Emphasizes the careful planning and development of a strategy or idea.

work was performed on it

Rephrases the sentence to make the active voice instead of the passive one.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "it was worked" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it was crafted", "it was developed", or "it was created".

Is "it was worked" grammatically correct in all contexts?

While sometimes used, "it was worked" can often sound awkward or vague. It's generally better to use a more specific verb to describe the action taken.

How can I make my sentences clearer when I'm tempted to use "it was worked"?

Try to identify the specific action being described and use a verb that reflects that action. For example, instead of "it was worked on for hours", try "they labored on it for hours".

When is it acceptable to use "it was worked" in my writing?

While it may be used, there are better alternative formulations in nearly every case. Consider rephrasing with stronger and more precise language to communicate information more efficiently. Check out "work was performed on it" to consider alternative sentence constructs.