was done intentionally

USAGE SUMMARY

"was done intentionally" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that an action was done on purpose or with prior thought. For example: "The paint job on the wall was done intentionally to match the color of the rug."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Now I wonder if was done intentionally".

The New York Times

But I don't think it was done intentionally – or at least, I hope not.

The Guardian

The foundation also said that the decision to structure the Cato Institute in the 1970s under four "shareholder" owners "was done intentionally, not by accident".

The New York Times

"It is a broad definition — and that was done intentionally," said Loren D. Israelsen, a lawyer who created an association of Utah supplement businesses that helped draft and lobby for the 1994 measure.

The New York Times

Sonia Khush, Save the Children's Syria director, described the bombing as a "shameful act, whether it was done intentionally or because due care was not taken to avoid civilian areas".

The Guardian

"If you said you'd worked 10 years with The Wall Street Journal, he'd say, 'Oh, I worked nearly 10 years at The Tennessean.' It was 'Hey, I'm one of you.' I don't ever think it was done intentionally to mislead.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"It became apparent to me that this was being done intentionally," he said in an interview.

The New York Times

Proponents of the ban point out that the law specifies that it applies only to procedures that are done intentionally.

The New York Times

The giant Swiss bank revealed in February that certain asset-backed securities had been priced incorrectly, but it was unclear whether it had been done intentionally.

The New York Times

Although American Realty's financial statements were correct under GAAP, the more important number that real estate investment trusts want investors and analysts look at was F.F.O., so reporting incorrect results can amount to fraud if it is done intentionally.

The New York Times

If this has been done intentionally, to serve those who accuse investigative reporters of being "out there" conspiracy nuts, then we have a ready-made screenplay for the next "X" movie, perhaps a documentary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was done intentionally", ensure the context clearly establishes who performed the action and what their specific intention was. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid implying that something "was done intentionally" when it was merely a consequence of another action. Intention requires a conscious decision, not just a resulting outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was done intentionally" functions as an adverbial modifier in the passive voice, specifying the manner in which an action was performed. Ludwig provides examples that highlight its role in emphasizing deliberate or purposeful conduct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was done intentionally" serves to highlight the deliberate nature of an action. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and often employed to emphasize that an action was not accidental, but rather a conscious choice. While not exceptionally common, it appears across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly identifies the actor and their specific intent to prevent ambiguity. Remember, intentionality implies a conscious decision, distinguishing it from mere causation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was performed deliberately

Replaces "done intentionally" with synonyms "performed deliberately", emphasizing the conscious decision to act.

was carried out purposefully

Substitutes "done intentionally" with "carried out purposefully", highlighting the presence of a specific goal or aim.

was executed consciously

Replaces "done intentionally" with "executed consciously", stressing the awareness and mindfulness behind the action.

was planned deliberately

Highlights the planning aspect, emphasizing the premeditation involved in the action.

was designed on purpose

Emphasizes the design aspect of the action, indicating a specific intention behind its creation or execution.

was calculatedly executed

Highlights the careful and calculated nature of the action's execution.

was wilfully enacted

Suggests that the action was undertaken despite knowing possible negative consequences or in defiance of rules.

was strategically implemented

Emphasizes the strategic or tactical nature of the action.

was knowingly undertaken

Highlights the awareness and full knowledge of the implications when initiating an action.

was motivated by design

Highlights the design aspect of the action, indicating a specific intention behind its creation or execution.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was done intentionally" to sound more formal?

You can use alternatives like "was performed deliberately", "was carried out purposefully", or "was executed consciously" depending on the context.

Is there a subtle difference between "was done intentionally" and "was done on purpose"?

While similar, "was done intentionally" might suggest a more planned or calculated action, whereas "was done on purpose" could imply a more immediate or reactive decision.

What is the best way to use "was done intentionally" in a sentence?

Ensure the subject of the action is clear and the intent is either explicitly stated or strongly implied by the surrounding context. For example: "The alteration to the document "was done intentionally" to mislead investigators".

Which is correct, "was done intentionally" or "was intentionally done"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "was done intentionally" is generally preferred for its natural flow and readability. "Was intentionally done" can sound slightly awkward in some contexts.