it really was

USAGE SUMMARY

'it really was' is a correct and usable form of written English.
It can be used to emphasize a statement or to draw attention to one specific thing. For example: "I honestly thought I was going to fail the test, but it really was much easier than I expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It really was coincidental.

The New York Times

It really was shocking.

The Guardian - Travel

It really was unbelievable.

Independent

It really was beautiful.

The New Yorker

"It really was reportage".

The New York Times

"It really was time".

The New York Times

"It really was very serious".

Independent

"It really was a blessing".

The New York Times

It really was off-putting.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It really was us.

The Guardian - Sport

It really was a brilliant con.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it really was" to reinforce a statement, especially when countering doubt or expressing surprise. For instance, 'I was skeptical, but it really was a fantastic show'.

Common error

Avoid using "it really was" excessively in writing as it can make the tone sound repetitive or insincere. Opt for stronger, more descriptive language to convey your message effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it really was" serves as an emphatic affirmation or confirmation. It emphasizes the truth or validity of a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI indicates, this construction is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it really was" is a grammatically correct and common phrase used to emphasize the truth or validity of a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase functions as an emphatic affirmation, suitable for a neutral register. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts. While versatile, overuse should be avoided to maintain sincerity and impact. Consider alternatives like "it truly was" or "it certainly was" for variety and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it absolutely was

Uses 'absolutely' instead of 'really' for stronger emphasis.

it definitely was

Employs 'definitely' to convey a sense of sureness.

it truly was

Substitutes 'really' with 'truly', offering a more formal tone.

it genuinely was

Replaces 'really' with 'genuinely', emphasizing authenticity.

it honestly was

Includes 'honestly' to express sincerity or frankness.

it certainly was

Replaces 'really' with 'certainly', implying confidence in the statement.

it actually was

Adds 'actually' to highlight that something is surprisingly true.

it undeniably was

Substitutes 'really' with 'undeniably', suggesting incontrovertibility.

it indeed was

Uses 'indeed' instead of 'really' for a slightly more old-fashioned tone.

it veritably was

Replaces 'really' with 'veritably', lending a more literary or archaic feel.

FAQs

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

Use "it really was" to emphasize a point or express genuine feeling about something. For example, "I didn't expect much from the movie, but "it really was" captivating".

What's a more formal alternative to "it really was"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "it truly was" or "it certainly was". These alternatives add a touch of sophistication to your expression.

Is "it really was" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "it really was" might be considered too informal for strict academic writing. Consider using stronger and more precise language to convey your points. For example: "it undeniably was".

When is it best to use "it really was" over other similar phrases?

Use "it really was" when you want to express genuine surprise or strong agreement with something. Alternatives like "it actually was" can be used when highlighting a surprising truth.