it was always something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was always something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a sense of ongoing issues or challenges that seem to persist over time. Example: "Every time I thought I had everything sorted out, it was always something that came up to complicate matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"But it was always something minor.

The New York Times

"It was always something really creative".

The New York Times

But it was always something of an embarrassment.

The New Yorker

It was always something he wanted to do.

The Economist

It was always something I was conscious of growing up.

The Guardian - Books

It was always something that I wrote for myself.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

It's always something.

The New York Times - Health

Really, it's always something.

The New York Times

"It's always something with his face.

The New York Times - Sports

It's always something very simply.

Independent

With Harding, it is always something.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "it was always something" with a specific detail to add context. For example, "It was always something with the car, whether it was the tires or the engine."

Common error

Avoid using "it was always something" in situations where a single, isolated event is being described. This phrase implies a pattern of recurring events or desires, not a one-time occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was always something" functions as an idiomatic expression. It conveys a sense of inevitability or resignation regarding a recurring problem, desire, or situation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was always something" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to convey a sense of recurring issues or persistent desires. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily within news and media. While the phrase is quite versatile, it's best suited for scenarios where a pattern or trend is being emphasized, indicating a mild frustration or resigned acceptance. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "there was always an issue" or "it invariably involved complications". Be mindful of its nuance to avoid misapplication to single, isolated events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It was inevitably something

Highlights the certainty that something would arise.

It invariably involved complications

Focuses on the complications being an unchangeable aspect.

There was consistently an issue

Highlights the consistency of the problem or issue.

It was just one thing after another

Emphasizes a continuous sequence of events or issues.

It consistently presented a challenge

Emphasizes the persistent nature of the challenge.

Something always seemed to happen

Focuses on the occurrence of events, good or bad, with a sense of inevitability.

It was perpetually problematic

Uses "perpetually" to underscore the ongoing nature of the problem.

A new problem perpetually arose

Focuses on the newness of each problem and its continuous appearance.

There was always a catch

Implies a hidden difficulty or disadvantage was ever-present.

Obstacles were perpetually present

Highlights the constant presence of obstacles.

FAQs

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

Use "it was always something" to express that a particular issue, desire, or obstacle repeatedly presented itself. For example, "I wanted to save money, but "it was always something" that needed fixing around the house."

What does "it was always something" mean?

"It was always something" suggests that there was a persistent or recurring issue, desire, or obstacle that consistently arose, preventing a resolution or fulfillment.

What can I say instead of "it was always something"?

Alternatives include phrases like "there was always an issue", "it invariably involved complications", or "something always seemed to happen" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it was always something"?

Yes, "it was always something" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a sense of recurring or persistent issues. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.