it was a blur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a blur" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or experience that was confusing, fast-paced, or difficult to remember clearly. Example: "The concert was so exciting that it was a blur, and I can hardly recall any specific moments from it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"It was a blur".

The New York Times

It was a blur of whiskey tastings and ceilidhs.

The New Yorker

It happened so quickly that it was a blur.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Many people have told me that they didn't remember their wedding, that it was a blur.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You keep telling yourself, swing slow, swing slow, swing slow, and I'm sure it was a blur," Lehman said.

The New York Times

At first it was a blur on the horizon, a small, grey silhouette rising softly into the haze.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

It's a blur after that".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a blur," he said.

The New Yorker

Instead, it's a blur of effects.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a blur of mortifyingly ordinary computer-generated effects.

The New York Times

"It's a blur, to be honest," she says (she says "to be honest" a lot).

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was a blur" to describe events that happened quickly, were confusing, or are difficult to remember in detail. It's effective for conveying a sense of disorientation or rapid pace.

Common error

Avoid using "it was a blur" in formal or academic writing where precise and detailed accounts are expected. Opt for more descriptive and specific language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a blur" functions as a subject complement, providing a description of a past event or experience. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to convey a sense of confusion, speed, or lack of clear recollection. The examples show it describing various events, such as weddings, sporting events, and periods of time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was a blur" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an event or experience that is difficult to remember clearly due to its speed, intensity, or confusing nature. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for expressing a lack of detailed memory, primarily in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it in formal or academic writing where specific and detailed accounts are expected. Instead, consider alternatives like "it all happened so fast" or "it's a bit hazy" for a more precise description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it all happened so fast

Focuses on the speed of the event, implying a lack of clear recollection.

it's all a bit hazy

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and distinctness in memory.

it's a complete fog

Highlights the confusion and disorientation associated with the event.

it's all a jumble

Indicates a disordered and confusing recollection of events.

it's all rather indistinct

Suggests a lack of clear outlines and details in memory.

it was a whirlwind

Implies a fast-paced and chaotic experience.

it's like a dream

Compares the experience to a dream, suggesting a lack of realism or clarity.

it's hard to recall clearly

Directly states the difficulty in remembering the event with clarity.

it's a confused memory

Indicates that the memory is mixed up and lacking in order.

it's all muddled together

Suggests that the different elements of the experience are indistinguishable.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was a blur" to describe an experience that is difficult to remember clearly due to excitement, speed, or confusion. For example, "The wedding day "it was a blur", but I remember being incredibly happy."

What can I say instead of "it was a blur"?

You can use alternatives like "it all happened so fast", "it's all a bit hazy", or "it's a complete fog" depending on the context.

Is "it was a blur" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was a blur" is generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and descriptive language to convey a lack of clarity or detailed recollection.

What does it mean when someone says "it was a blur"?

When someone says "it was a blur", they typically mean that an event or period of time is difficult to recall clearly. This could be due to the speed at which things happened, the intensity of the experience, or simply the passage of time.