it was a marathon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a marathon" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an event or experience that was long, challenging, or exhausting, often metaphorically. Example: "After working on that project for weeks, I can honestly say it was a marathon, but we finally completed it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It was a marathon - almost 70 minutes.

The Guardian

It was a marathon with a sprint finish, a mass sprint finish.

Independent

"It was a marathon for her, this movie," says Logan Marshall-Green, who plays Holloway.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was a marathon: dinner at a restaurant in Kowloon ended with a stroll around Victoria Harbor at 3 a.m.

The New York Times

It was a marathon day; they shared a formal tea ceremony, went bowling and saw a movie.

The New York Times

It was a marathon session, and our Moscow correspondent Miriam Elder went the distance – tweeting all the time.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It's a marathon".

The New York Times - Sports

It's a marathon role.

The New York Times

It is a marathon.

The New York Times

That it's a marathon.

The Guardian - Books

But it's a marathon.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was a marathon" to describe situations requiring prolonged effort and resilience, like long projects, intense periods of work, or challenging personal experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "it was a marathon" for every long task. Reserve it for situations that truly tested endurance, as overuse dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "it was a marathon" is to serve as a predicate nominative, renaming or identifying the subject "it". Ludwig examples show it describing events, projects, or experiences as prolonged and demanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was a marathon" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something lengthy, challenging, and requiring endurance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use in news and media. While suitable for general communication, more formal alternatives might be preferred in specific contexts. When using this phrase, consider whether the situation truly tested endurance to avoid diluting its impact. Related phrases include "it was a long haul" and "it was a grueling ordeal".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a long haul

Emphasizes the duration and perseverance required, focusing on the extended period of effort.

it was a grueling ordeal

Highlights the demanding and exhausting nature of the experience, emphasizing the difficulty.

it was a protracted affair

Focuses on the extended duration and often implies a complex or tedious process.

it was an endurance test

Stresses the aspect of needing to withstand hardship and persevere through a challenging situation.

it was a lengthy process

Highlights the long duration of the task or event, focusing on the time investment.

it was an exhausting experience

Focuses on the draining and tiring effect of the event or task.

it demanded considerable stamina

Emphasizes the need for prolonged physical or mental strength to complete the task.

it required sustained effort

Highlights the continuous and persistent work needed to achieve the outcome.

it was a drawn-out struggle

Implies a difficult and prolonged battle or effort against obstacles.

it felt never-ending

Emphasizes the subjective perception of the task or event lasting an extremely long time.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was a marathon" to describe a long and exhausting task or event. For example, "The project deadline was tight, and "it was a marathon" to get everything done on time."

What are some alternatives to "it was a marathon"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it was a long haul", "it was a grueling ordeal", or "it was a protracted affair", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "it was a marathon" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "it was a marathon" is slightly informal. In highly formal contexts, consider alternatives that convey a similar meaning with more gravitas, such as "it was a sustained effort" or "it required considerable stamina".

What's the difference between saying "it was a marathon" and "it was a sprint"?

"It was a marathon" implies a long, sustained effort, while "it was a sprint" suggests a short, intense burst of activity. They are opposites in terms of the duration and type of effort involved.