it often was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it often was" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or occurrence that happened frequently in the past. Example: "In those days, it often was difficult to find reliable information online."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

But it often was just as dominant in its glory days.

The New York Times

Therapy played for laughs, as it often was in Rogers's movies, has its own loopy history, Professor Gabbard said.

The New York Times

As, indeed, it often was.

Independent

Hearing no, and hearing it often, was not easy.

Harvard University

The power was out, as it often was.

The New Yorker

And, as she'll tell you, it often was necessary.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

It often is fatal.

Cornell University

And it often is.

Harvard University

Apparently, it often is.

The New York Times - Arts

Which it often is.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it often isn't.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it often was", ensure the subject 'it' is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'It often was', specify what 'it' refers to: 'The journey often was arduous'.

Common error

Avoid using "it often was" repeatedly in close proximity within complex sentences, as this can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms like "frequently", "commonly", or "typically" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it often was" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the frequency of a past action or state. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing recurring situations or conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

22%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

12%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it often was" serves to indicate the frequent occurrence of something in the past. Ludwig's analysis, consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment, confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and general media. While versatile, be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms to maintain engaging and varied writing. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for diverse audiences, enhancing its overall utility in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it frequently happened

Emphasizes the repeated occurrence of an event or situation.

it commonly occurred

Suggests that something was a usual or typical event.

it was a regular occurrence

Highlights the habitual nature of something happening.

it was typical

Implies something conformed to a standard or expectation.

it generally transpired

Focuses on how events usually unfolded or played out.

it habitually took place

Emphasizes the routine or consistent nature of an action.

it repeatedly arose

Highlights the recurrence or resurgence of an issue or situation.

it was wont to happen

Uses an archaic expression to indicate a customary occurrence.

it tended to be

Describes a disposition or inclination toward a particular state or condition.

it was a common sight

Indicates that something was frequently observed or encountered.

FAQs

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

Use "it often was" to describe something that occurred frequently in the past. For instance, "Before smartphones, "it often was" necessary to carry a map."

What are some alternatives to using "it often was"?

Alternatives include "it frequently happened", "it commonly occurred", or "it was typical", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it often was"?

Yes, "it often was" is grammatically correct. It's a common way to describe recurring events or situations in the past. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. However, "it often was" may sound slightly more natural or idiomatic in certain contexts, while "it was often" places a bit more emphasis on the 'was'.