it was anything

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was anything" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express that something was not limited to a specific quality or characteristic, often in a context of comparison or contrast. Example: "When I asked about the event, she said it was anything but boring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was anything but.

The New York Times - Sports

It was anything but demure.

The New York Times - Food

It was anything but civil.

The New York Times

It was anything but dull.

The New Yorker

"It was anything goes".

The New York Times

For others, it was anything but reassuring.

The New York Times

"It was anything but spontaneous," he said.

The New York Times

"How did you know it was anything?

The New Yorker

But it was anything but comfortable.

The New York Times - Sports

Post-Uma, it was anything goes.

The New York Times

It was anything but over.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was anything but" to introduce a contrasting or unexpected element in your writing, adding emphasis and surprise for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it was anything" when you simply mean something was 'ordinary' or 'typical'. This phrase is best reserved for situations that are surprisingly different from what was anticipated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was anything" functions as an idiomatic expression used to strongly emphasize a contrast or denial of an expected quality. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and consistent usage, showcasing its role in setting up unexpected twists or turns in a narrative. For example: "It was anything but easy."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was anything" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to emphasize a contrast or denial of an expected quality. Ludwig AI confirms that it is widely used in journalistic and narrative contexts, particularly in news and media. While grammatically sound and versatile, it's best utilized to highlight surprise or unexpected twists rather than simply stating that something is ordinary. Alternatives include "it was far from", "it was not at all", and "it differed greatly from". Be mindful of the context and aim for emphasizing contrasts when incorporating the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was far from

Emphasizes the difference between what was expected and what actually happened.

it was not at all

Directly negates any similarity to a presumed quality.

it was the opposite of

Highlights a complete reversal of expectation.

it bore no resemblance to

Stresses the lack of any shared characteristics.

it differed greatly from

Indicates a significant divergence from a standard or expectation.

it was a world away from

Highlights a stark contrast, often implying a large difference in quality or experience.

it could not have been more different

Emphasizes the extreme dissimilarity between two things.

it was entirely unlike

Focuses on the complete lack of shared traits or qualities.

it defied all expectations

Highlights the unexpected nature of the situation or outcome.

it shattered the illusion of

Highlights a discrepancy between an assumed reality and the actual truth.

FAQs

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

Use "it was anything" to highlight a contrast or unexpected quality. For example, "The task seemed simple, but "it was anything but"."

What's a more formal way to say "it was anything but"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "it was far from", "it was not at all", or "it differed greatly from" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it was anything but easy"?

Yes, "it was anything but easy" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize that something was, in fact, difficult.

What's the difference between "it was anything" and "it was something"?

"It was something" implies that the subject had a notable or significant quality. In contrast, ""it was anything but"" suggests the subject was the opposite of what was expected.