it deserved that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it deserved that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone or something has received a consequence or outcome that is deemed appropriate or justified. Example: "After all the trouble he caused, I think it deserved that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

You may need to provide details of why you would have felt it deserved that distinction had you been in the position of New Article Booster.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Chinoiserie must be read slowly, and savored; it deserves that sort of attention, so alluring are its demands on the senses.

Huffington Post

And it deserves that overused designation in several specific ways.

The New York Times

"If there is a Knol that is the first place in search results, it deserves that place".

The New York Times

But Mr. Ryan's big lie — and, yes, it deserves that designation — was his claim that "a Romney-Ryan administration will protect and strengthen Medicare".

The New York Times

How long should an event take to play out, and how many people have to be harmed before it deserves that epithet?

The New York Times - Science

If it wants to prove it deserves that iPhone exclusivity, it needs to be ready for what's about to occur.

TechCrunch

And every time it happens, we say "I deserved that".

Huffington Post

"If anyone deserved that goal, it's Andrés," the Barcelona coach insists.

The Guardian - Sport

They deserved that chance.

The New York Times

'Moby-Dick' deserved that".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it deserved that" when you want to convey a sense of justice or fitting consequence, whether positive or negative. Ensure the context makes clear what "it" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "it deserved that" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral or objective tone is required. Opt for phrases like "it warranted" or "it merited" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it deserved that" functions as a comment or judgment regarding a prior event or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests that a particular outcome was a fitting or justified consequence. Examples show its use in various contexts, from sports to ethical judgments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it deserved that" is a phrase used to express that an outcome or consequence was justified or fitting. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, with the data analysis showing it appears most frequently in news and media. While the phrase is versatile, being mindful of the register can enhance clarity and appropriateness, especially when alternatives such as "it earned that" or "it warranted that" might be more suitable for formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it earned that

Implies that something was gained through effort or action, making the outcome justified.

it got what it deserved

A more direct and potentially harsher way of saying that the outcome was justified.

it had it coming

Suggests that the negative outcome was inevitable and predictable based on previous actions.

it warranted that

A more formal way of stating that something justified a particular outcome.

it merited that

Similar to "warranted that" but emphasizes the quality or characteristic that made the outcome fitting.

it was due that

Implies that the outcome was something expected or owed.

it reaped what it sowed

Suggests that the consequence was a direct result of prior actions or behavior.

the chickens came home to roost

An idiomatic expression meaning past misdeeds have caught up with someone.

that was its just reward

Emphasizes the fairness or justice of the outcome.

it suffered the consequences

Focuses on the negative aspect of the outcome as a result of actions.

FAQs

How can I use "it deserved that" in a sentence?

Use "it deserved that" to indicate that something received a particular outcome or consequence that was considered appropriate or justified. For example, "After all the effort it put in, it deserved that victory".

What are some alternative phrases to "it deserved that"?

You can use alternatives such as "it earned that", "it got what it deserved", or "it warranted that" depending on the context and the desired tone.

Is "it deserved that" formal or informal?

"It deserved that" is generally considered neutral and can be used in various contexts, but it may sound less formal than alternatives like "it merited that" or "it warranted that".

What's the difference between "it deserved that" and "it deserved it"?

"It deserved that" typically refers back to a specific outcome or consequence mentioned earlier in the conversation, while "it deserved it" is a more general statement implying that something was due for whatever reason.