it was a monster

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a monster" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was frightening, overwhelming, or difficult, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The storm last night was so intense, it felt like it was a monster raging outside my window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It was a monster in its time, at 264-feet-tall and holding a capacity of 2,160 people.

Huffington Post

"It was a monster.

Independent

But my goodness, it was a monster!

The New York Times

It was a monster that just ate him up.

The Guardian - Books

It was a monster effort, and a turning point for the Grizzlies.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a monster of sorts that inspired the Gainsbourg project.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

It's a monster".

The New York Times

It is a monster from the slime.

The New Yorker

And it's a monster.

The Washington Post

"It's a monster," Adrià says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is a monster that moves.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was a monster" to vividly describe situations, efforts, or objects that are exceptionally large, difficult, or impactful. The phrase can add emphasis and create a stronger impression on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it was a monster" in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sound too informal. Opt for more precise and professional language to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a monster" functions as a subjective description, typically serving as a predicate nominative or adjective complement. Ludwig's examples show its usage in conveying the immense size, difficulty, or impact of a subject. The phrase acts as an intensifier, turning a normal description into an emphatic declaration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was a monster" is a commonly used expression to emphasize the scale, difficulty, or impact of something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and predominantly appears in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid this phrase in formal or academic writing, opting for more precise and professional language. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and common usage, making it a strong and effective way to add emphasis to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was overwhelmingly intense

Emphasizes the feeling of being overpowered.

it was immensely challenging

Focuses on the difficulty aspect rather than the overwhelming nature.

it was incredibly difficult

Highlights the level of difficulty involved.

it was a huge undertaking

Emphasizes the scale and complexity of the task.

it was a tremendous effort

Highlights the amount of work and energy invested.

it was a daunting experience

Focuses on the intimidating nature of the experience.

it was exceptionally powerful

Shifts the focus to the strength or impact of something.

it was a colossal failure

Highlights the scale of failure.

it was formidably impressive

Expresses something impressive due to its scale or difficulty.

it was remarkably large

Focuses on the size or scale.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was a monster" to describe something overwhelming or difficult, like "The project was a monster to complete on time" or "The storm last night, it was a monster."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was a monster"?

Consider alternatives like "it was immensely challenging", "it was incredibly difficult", or "it was overwhelmingly intense" depending on the specific context.

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

While grammatically correct, "it was a monster" might be too informal for academic or professional writing. Choose a more precise and formal alternative in such cases.

What does "it was a monster" typically describe?

The phrase "it was a monster" usually describes something exceptionally large, difficult, or impactful. It emphasizes the scale or intensity of the subject.