it so was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it so was" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal.
You can use it to emphasize agreement or affirmation, often in a conversational context. Example: "That movie was amazing, and it so was!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

She was scared, and as much as her husband tried to hide it, so was he.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I was just too bad at it; so was my sister.

The New York Times - Arts

First time in five years of coming out I've experienced it so was just a strange experience".

Independent

The plan's indisputability, in whatever platonic realm Spitzer had deemed it so, was very much in dispute in the arena.

The New Yorker

Come to mention it, so was one bloke but he seemed to wander off after a while.

Independent

At five he was given his own piano, but misplaced it so was forced to practice on the dining room table.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Is it so, is it so, is it so, is it so is it so is it so.

Vice

So was it random?

The New York Times

So was it important?

Los Angeles Times

It is regrettable, but so be it.

BBC

But in the months that followed Hubble's launch in 1990, with the discovery that their mirror had been made very slightly too flat at its edges, the perfection of its smoothness – and their dedication to making it so - was quickly forgotten.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it so was" to add a touch of emphasis or agreement in informal contexts. It can effectively reinforce a previously stated idea or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "it so was" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "it certainly was" or "it indeed was" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

Affirmation and Emphasis: The phrase "it so was" functions as an affirmative statement, emphasizing the truth or validity of a previous statement. According to Ludwig, the expression is correct and usable. Examples show it used to confirm a situation or feeling.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it so was" is a grammatically sound way to affirm or emphasize a previous statement, most often found in informal contexts, particularly in news and media. According to Ludwig, its correct and usable, though less common in formal writing. While it effectively adds emphasis and validation, consider using alternative phrases such as "it truly was" or "it really was" in more formal settings to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it truly was

Emphasizes the truth or reality of the statement.

it really was

Adds emphasis to the statement, indicating a high degree of certainty.

it certainly was

Conveys assurance or confidence in the statement.

it indeed was

A more formal way of expressing agreement or confirmation.

so it has been

Indicates that a situation or condition has existed in the past and continues to be so.

that's how it was

Emphasizes the manner or way something occurred or existed.

it happened that way

Focuses on the course of events or the process.

it turned out that way

Suggests an unexpected or unforeseen outcome.

it ended up being so

Expresses the final state or condition after a period of time or events.

that was the case

States a fact or situation directly, implying it is true.

FAQs

What does "it so was" mean?

The phrase "it so was" emphasizes that something happened or existed in a particular way, often as a confirmation or agreement with a previous statement. It's similar to saying "it really was" or "it truly was".

When is it appropriate to use "it so was"?

It's most appropriate in informal or conversational contexts to add emphasis or show agreement. Avoid using it in formal writing where more sophisticated language is expected.

What can I say instead of "it so was"?

You can use alternatives like "it truly was", "it really was", or "it certainly was" to convey a similar meaning with varying degrees of formality.

Is "it so was" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it so was" is grammatically correct, although it might sound slightly unusual or old-fashioned to some. According to Ludwig, the expression is correct and usable, though informal.