Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

it was already something

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was already something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that a situation or object had value or significance, even if it may not have been fully developed or realized. Example: "When I first started my business, it was already something, even if it was just a small idea on paper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Fantastic, however, is the first out of the gate, as it was already something lead developer (and music lover) John Brunsfeld had already created as a side project.

News & Media

TechCrunch

It was already something that was at the forefront of his mind".

News & Media

Huffington Post

So when I looked at the script, it was already something that was in my mind, like, "Ooh!

News & Media

Huffington Post

The dancing is in my past and it was already something that I took half-seriously the last few years of my career because I was already busy choreographing so much.

News & Media

Huffington Post

8 When we began this evaluation in April 2007, for example, it was already something of a cliché within Connecting for Health that the national programme for information should be viewed as "10% technology, 90% business change," although many staff equated the latter with the provision of business tools.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Although O'Neill is in the very early stages of his career," noted Ian Peebles of the Sunday Times, "it is already something of an occasion when he comes to the wicket, and one can sense the expectancy of the crowd and the heightened tension of the opposition".

It's already something I'm looking forward to".

When a painting is finished it's already something I've done, no longer something I'm doing".

News & Media

The New Yorker

It's already something of a commonplace to chart the similarities of "Inception" to Martin Scorsese's "Shutter Island," and the points of comparison are worth a look.

News & Media

The New Yorker

The Nintendo building is just ten years old, but, for video-game fans, who sometimes wait outside the gates for a glimpse of Miyamoto, it is already something like the Kaaba, in Mecca.

News & Media

The New Yorker

It's the best environment to meet new people because if you guys are listening to the same music it's already something you have in common.

News & Media

Vice
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was already something" to subtly imply existing value or progress, even if not fully realized. This can add nuance to your writing and avoid overstating the subject's current state.

Common error

Avoid using "it was already something" when the subject is truly novel or unprecedented. This phrase implies a degree of prior existence or development, so misusing it can create a false impression.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.2/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was already something" functions as a statement acknowledging the pre-existence of a particular state or quality. It is used to indicate that something had a foundation, even if not fully developed. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was already something" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-registered expression used to acknowledge pre-existing qualities or progress. As verified by Ludwig AI, this phrase implies that even if a subject is not fully formed or complete, it possesses inherent merit or a foundation to build upon. While not extremely common, it appears consistently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, and has practical applications in writing by subtly implying existing value. Remember to avoid overstating the implication and ensure the subject truly possesses some degree of prior existence or development.

FAQs

How can I use "it was already something" in a sentence?

Use "it was already something" to indicate that an idea, project, or creation had a foundation or inherent value even in its early stages. For example, "The prototype wasn't perfect, but "it was already something" to build upon".

What's a good alternative to "it was already something"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "it had potential", "it was a start", or "it possessed inherent value". These phrases convey similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

Is it better to say "it was already something" or "it already was something"?

"It was already something" is generally more common and idiomatic. "It already was something" is grammatically correct but might sound slightly less natural in most contexts.

What does "it was already something" imply?

It implies that while the subject may not be fully formed or complete, it possessed certain qualities or characteristics that gave it a basis or a starting point. It suggests pre-existing merit or progress.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.2/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: