it was worn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was worn" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an item of clothing or accessory that has been used or is in a state of wear. Example: "The jacket was old and frayed, but it was worn with pride by its owner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But it was worn down, and its lack of speed was exposed on Joe McKnight's 55-yard touchdown run.

The New York Times - Sports

It was worn almost bare.

The New York Times

It was worn for day and evening.

The New York Times - Style

That it was worn by a Kardashian maybe?

The New York Times

It was worn over a white silk jersey tank.

The New York Times - Style

Also known as "hickory cloth", it was worn by American pioneers and later dustbowl cowboys.

Independent

It was worn as a wedding dress in 1984 and was later donated to the museum.

Independent

It was worn, so it wasn't locating the shaft precisely enough.

The New York Times - Magazine

But I feel that the context in which it was worn has been forgotten.

The Guardian - Film

People would tell Customs about an illegal still, but only when it was worn out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But here it was, worn and missing the first part of Genesis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was worn" to convey the idea of an item being used until it shows signs of wear and tear, emphasizing its prolonged use and perhaps sentimental value.

Common error

Avoid using "it was worn" when you mean "someone wore it". The passive voice shifts the focus from the actor to the object, so ensure this is your intention. For example, instead of "It was worn by the queen", consider "The queen wore it" if you want to emphasize the queen.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was worn" functions as a passive construction, indicating that an item (usually clothing or an accessory) was used or carried by someone. As confirmed by Ludwig, this passive voice emphasizes the object and its condition or history, rather than the person who wore it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was worn" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed passive construction used to describe an item's state or history, often in the context of clothing or accessories. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is best suited for emphasizing the object itself rather than the wearer. With primary usage in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, its register remains generally neutral and applicable across varied contexts. To avoid common errors, ensure the passive voice aligns with your intended focus. Consider alternatives such as "it saw use" or "it had been worn" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it had been worn

Focuses on the past perfect tense, indicating the action of wearing was completed before a specific point in the past.

it saw use

Emphasizes the object's utility and function over the act of wearing, implying a broader range of applications beyond just clothing.

it was utilized

Replaces "worn" with a more formal term, suggesting a functional application rather than just being adorned.

it was sported

Emphasizes the act of displaying or showing off something, particularly clothing or accessories.

it was donned

Highlights the act of putting something on, often clothing, with a sense of formality or occasion.

it was carried

Shifts the focus from clothing to something being transported or held, useful if the object is not necessarily worn on the body.

it had been displayed

Emphasizes the visibility and presentation of an item, rather than the act of wearing it.

it was modelled

Suggests that the item was showcased by someone, typically in a fashion context.

it was flaunted

Implies a boastful or ostentatious display of something, often with pride or arrogance.

it was affected

Focuses on the adoption of a style or mannerism, implying a deliberate choice to impress others.

FAQs

What is the difference between "it was worn" and "it was weared"?

"It was worn" is the correct passive form of "wear", while "it was weared" is grammatically incorrect. "Wear" is an irregular verb, and its past participle is "worn".

How can I rephrase "it was worn" to emphasize who wore it?

To emphasize the wearer, change the sentence structure to active voice. For example, instead of "it was worn by the celebrity", say "The celebrity wore it."

When is it appropriate to use "it was worn"?

"It was worn" is suitable when you want to focus on the item itself and its state or history, rather than specifically who used it. For example, describing a historical artifact: "It was worn during the 18th century."

What are some synonyms for "it was worn" that maintain a formal tone?

Alternatives like "it was utilized", "it saw use", or "it had been worn" can be used to maintain a formal tone, especially in academic or professional contexts.