it would be sold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it would be sold' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about something that is likely to be sold in the future. For example: "This car is in great condition and if it was advertised, it would be sold quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

He said he would not introduce a tax on homes because "it would be sold as a mansion tax, but once the tax inspector had his foot in the door you'd soon find most homes in the country labelled a mansion.

The Guardian

But such was its position in the world's sixth-biggest insurance market that soon after the South Korean government announced that it would be sold, its suitors included such international companies as the American International Group and Metropolitan Life Insurance.

The New York Times

Matthew Lipton, who has been living on Flat Holm as its warden for four years, said he hopes it would be sold to someone who would respect the "uniqueness" of the island.

BBC

The fuel ministry won't reveal its plans for the gallium, although researchers suspect that it would be sold to pay wages at state businesses.

Science Magazine

It would be sold as "giving teaching back to the profession".

The Guardian

My worst fear is that it would be sold and end up like Battersea Power Station.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Sony had announced in February that it would be selling its PC business, and also said at the time that it would split its television division into a separate subsidy as part of its restructuring programme.

BBC

Just before that, Walmart had announced that it would be selling a majority of its holdings in Asda, its UK business, to local rival Sainsbury's.

TechCrunch

Last week, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York announced that it would be selling advertising space on the front of its fare cards to raise revenue.

The New York Times

"It would be selling my soul," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

And last week, Chanel announced that it would be selling smaller versions in stores.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it would be sold", ensure the context clearly identifies what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, specify the item or asset before using the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "it would be sold" without a clear reference to what "it" is. This can lead to confusion for the reader. Always ensure the antecedent is clearly defined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would be sold" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (it) is the recipient of the action (being sold). Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it would be sold" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to describe a potential future sale. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for written English. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating discussions about potential transactions or market forecasts. While grammatically sound, ensure the referent of "it" is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "it was going to be sold" or "it was expected to be sold" offer subtle shifts in emphasis, reflecting different nuances in the intended meaning. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, "it would be sold" is an effective way to express conditional or hypothetical sales scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was to be sold

Indicates a future arrangement or agreement for the item to be sold.

it was going to be sold

Indicates a prior decision or plan for the item to be sold.

it was expected to be sold

Focuses on the anticipation or expectation surrounding the sale.

it was planned to be sold

Emphasizes the planning and intention behind the potential sale.

it was intended for sale

Highlights the original intention behind the item being available for purchase.

it was slated for sale

Suggests that the sale was formally scheduled or listed.

it was earmarked for sale

Implies that the item was specifically designated to be sold.

it was put up for sale

Focuses on the action of making the item available to buyers.

it should be sold

Suggests a recommendation or advisability for selling the item.

a sale would be made

Shifts the focus to the act of selling rather than the item itself.

FAQs

How can I use "it would be sold" in a sentence?

Use "it would be sold" when referring to something that is likely to be sold in the future under certain conditions. For example, "If the price is right, "it would be sold" quickly."

What are some alternatives to "it would be sold"?

Alternatives include "it was going to be sold", "it was to be sold", or "it was expected to be sold", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "it would be sold" or "it will be sold"?

"It would be sold" implies a conditional or hypothetical situation, while "it will be sold" indicates a more definite future action. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "it would be sold" and "it could be sold"?

"It would be sold" suggests a higher probability or conditional certainty of the sale, while "it could be sold" implies a possibility but not necessarily a likelihood. The choice depends on the degree of certainty you wish to express.