it really belonged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it really belonged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong sense of ownership or rightful place of something or someone in a particular context. Example: "After all these years, I finally realized that this old guitar really belonged to my grandfather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I thought it really belonged in Los Angeles," said Mr. Davidson, referring to the city's growing Asian population.

The New York Times

Father Clemens began to change his story about the ownership of the manuscript, suggesting it really belonged to the Augustinians, said William Taeusch, Dr. Schmidt's husband.

The New York Times - Science

Conservatives used to joke that it really belonged to Canada; but it now has only the tenth-heaviest tax burden in the country.

The Economist

"The first year, when I worked the land, I had the feeling that it really belonged to me," Mr. Baimirov, 40, said.

The New York Times

It's a great book and a great read, but I have some lingering doubts about whether it really belonged on the shortlist for a major prize.

The Guardian - Books

However, we did not include P. nicholsi, which is morphologically different from P. multicolor and P. philander and would – if it really belonged to the Pseudocrenilabrus-lineage – represent the only haplochromine in the Congo drainage that is not a member of the CSA lineage.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

There had been times where the United States took advantage of that post-World War II order to extend the reach of its companies and to extend the reach of its products, but now it really belongs to everybody.

The Economist

The focus is now where, in Plato's view, it really belongs: on the psychology of justice, and its effects on the human soul.

SEP

German football has just spent the best part of its six-week winter break – so indecently, unfeasibly long that it really belongs in a John Holmes flick – moaning about the short winter break.

The Guardian - Sport

It really belongs to Hong Kong people".

The Guardian

But it really belongs in the past.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it really belonged" to emphasize a strong connection or rightful place, adding emotional weight to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it really belonged" for abstract concepts or inanimate subjects where a sense of ownership or place doesn't logically apply. Instead, opt for phrases that emphasize relevance or suitability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it really belonged" functions as a clause within a sentence, typically acting as a complement to a verb. It asserts a strong sense of rightful placement, ownership, or association. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it really belonged" is grammatically correct and usable for expressing a strong sense of ownership or rightful place. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely common, its use is evident in various sources, particularly in News & Media and Science. To enhance writing, consider using it to add emotional weight to statements about belonging or placement. Avoid misusing it with inanimate subjects where ownership doesn't logically fit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it rightfully belonged

Emphasizes the just or fair nature of ownership or placement.

it genuinely belonged

Highlights the authenticity and sincerity of the belonging.

it truly belonged

Stresses the genuine and authentic nature of the belonging.

it was rightly placed

Focuses on the correctness of its position or location.

it was genuinely suited

Highlights how well the item or person fit the situation or context.

it was always meant to be

Suggests a sense of destiny or inevitability in its belonging.

it was originally intended for

Focuses on the initial purpose or recipient.

it was destined to be

Suggests that the item or person was fated to belong in a particular place or to someone.

it was correctly assigned

Highlights the accuracy and appropriateness of the assignment.

it was properly attributed

Focuses on the correctness of its association or origin.

FAQs

How can I use "it really belonged" in a sentence?

Use "it really belonged" to emphasize that something had a true or rightful place in a specific location or with a specific person. For example, "After all these years, I realized the antique clock "it really belonged" in my grandmother's house".

What can I say instead of "it really belonged"?

You can use alternatives like "it rightfully belonged", "it genuinely belonged", or "it truly belonged" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "it really belonged" or "it truly belonged"?

Both ""it really belonged"" and "it truly belonged" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. "Truly" may add a slightly stronger sense of authenticity.

Can "it really belonged" be used to describe a feeling or idea?

While ""it really belonged"" typically describes physical objects or places, it can be used metaphorically to describe a feeling or idea that strongly resonates with a person or situation. For example, "That idea "it really belonged" in that discussion".