it was a neat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a neat" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was tidy, well-organized, or impressive in a casual context. Example: "After finishing the project, I looked at the final product and thought, it was a neat solution to a complex problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a neat job.

The New Yorker

It was a neat — and explosive — argument.

The New York Times

It was a neat experience, a neat experience".

The New York Times

(I clapped, too. It was a neat light fixture).

The New Yorker

It was a neat trick: being Communists and Zionists simultaneously.

The New York Times - Books

It was a neat metaphor for Ms. Philo's energizing of a dull Paris season.

The New York Times

It was a neat way of dodging the most pertinent criticism of his movement.

The Guardian

It was a neat and simple approach, but it was also devastating in a soft way.

The New York Times - Sports

"I thought people would think it was a neat idea," Dr. Cole said.

The New York Times

As attention grabbers go, it was a neat, if familiar, trick of reassessment.

The New York Times - Arts

It was a neat quid pro quo and the quid ended up in Charlie's pocket.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was a neat" to describe an action, ensure the context clearly indicates what made the action neat, such as its efficiency, simplicity, or unexpected success.

Common error

Avoid using "it was a neat" in formal academic or professional writing. While acceptable in casual conversation, more sophisticated vocabulary can enhance your message and credibility in formal settings. Instead, opt for phrases such as "it was remarkably efficient" or "it was a skillful approach."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a neat" primarily functions as a subject complement, offering a subjective evaluation or description of a situation, idea, or object. It serves to attribute a quality of cleverness, simplicity, or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was a neat" is a common and acceptable way to express approval or admiration for something that is simple, effective, or well-organized. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various sources, particularly in news and media. While suitable for informal contexts, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives, such as "it was remarkably efficient", in academic or professional settings. The phrase functions as a subject complement, attributing a positive quality to the subject being described. When deciding on usage, consider the context's formality to ensure your communication is both effective and appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was quite ingenious

Replaces "neat" with a stronger adjective emphasizing cleverness and inventiveness.

it was rather clever

Uses "clever" instead of "neat", suggesting intelligence and skill.

it was a smart move

Focuses on the strategic aspect, highlighting the intelligence behind an action.

it was a fine solution

Emphasizes the quality and effectiveness of a solution or approach.

it was a skillful approach

Highlights the dexterity and competence involved in the action.

it was a slick operation

Suggests efficiency and smoothness, often implying a slightly cunning aspect.

it was well-executed

Focuses on the successful implementation and precise carrying out of a plan or action.

it was a tidy piece of work

Uses "tidy" as an alternative to "neat", emphasizing order and efficiency.

it was remarkably efficient

Highlights the efficiency of something.

it was surprisingly effective

Highlights that results are better than expected.

FAQs

What does "it was a neat" mean?

The phrase "it was a neat" is used to describe something that is tidy, well-organized, clever, or effective in a simple or elegant way. It conveys admiration or approval for something that is well-executed.

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

You can use alternatives like "it was quite ingenious", "it was rather clever", or "it was a smart move" depending on the context.

Is "it was a neat" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was a neat" is generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives such as "it was remarkably efficient" or "it was a skillful approach".

How to use "it was a neat" in a sentence?

You can use "it was a neat" to describe a solution, a trick, or an idea. For example: "It was a neat solution to the problem" or "It was a neat trick, turning the offended into the offender".