it already was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it already was" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something existed or occurred at a previous time, often in response to a question or statement about the past. Example: "When I checked the status, I realized it already was completed before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Blurring up Titian's Annunciation, he turns the image into what, for 99% of its viewers, it already was: a reproduction of a reproduction, a third-generation bootleg.

The Guardian - Arts

India made no emissions commitment but pledged to improve its energy efficiency, less quickly than it already was improving.

Los Angeles Times

"It already was his birthday," he added.

The New Yorker

By then, it already was.

The New York Times - Books

SoBro could have been dead on arrival (some might argue it already was).

The New York Times

It already was a political football and the president fumbled it.

The New York Times

Yet the outcome, analysts say, could now leave the opposition more weakened than it already was.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Arguably, it already is.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps it already is.

The New York Times

It already is.

The New York Times

In effect it already is.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it already was" to succinctly convey that a condition or action was in effect or completed before a specific time or event. This avoids unnecessary repetition and keeps your writing concise.

Common error

Avoid using "it already was" when the context requires a different tense. Ensure the surrounding text aligns with the past perfect if you're emphasizing the completion of an action before another past action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it already was" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating that a certain state or action had been completed or was in effect at a point in the past. Ludwig AI shows many examples where this phrase concisely conveys pre-existing conditions or past occurrences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it already was" is a versatile and common construction used to indicate that something had happened or a state existed prior to a given time. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in news and media contexts, showcasing its neutral register and ability to convey information succinctly. When using this phrase, be mindful of the tense and ensure it aligns with the surrounding context. Consider alternatives like "it had already been" for a more formal tone. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it had already happened

Emphasizes the completion of an action before a specific time.

it was already the case

Highlights that a situation or condition was pre-existing.

it had been established

Focuses on the prior establishment or confirmation of something.

it was previously so

Indicates that something was true or accurate at an earlier time.

it was like that before

Emphasizes the prior state or condition of something.

it was already in effect

Highlights that a rule, law, or system was active before a certain point.

it was in place already

Focuses on the prior existence and readiness of something.

it was prepared beforehand

Emphasizes the advance preparation of something.

it was arranged earlier

Highlights the prior arrangement or organization of something.

it was completed already

Focuses on the prior completion of a task or project.

FAQs

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

Use "it already was" to indicate that something was true or had happened before a specific point in time. For example, "I thought I needed to fix the problem, but "it already was" resolved".

What's a more formal way to say "it already was"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "it had already been" or "it was already the case". These alternatives provide a similar meaning but with a slightly more elevated style.

What's the difference between "it already was" and "it was already"?

The phrases "it already was" and "it was already" are often interchangeable, but "it already was" might emphasize the completion or prior state slightly more strongly. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "it already were" grammatically correct?

No, "it already were" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""it already was"" because "it" is a singular pronoun that requires a singular verb form.