it was astounding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was astounding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express amazement or admiration about something that was impressive or surprising. Example: "The performance was so captivating that it was astounding to see how the actors brought the story to life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"It was astounding.

The New York Times

"The dishonesty of it was astounding — criminal, really," Mr. Hagel said in 2007.

The New York Times

He said, "Enough book learning — why don't you learn something real?" It was astounding.

The New York Times

Latin America specialist Miguel Tinker Salas said it was "astounding" to see Bolsonaro and Trump painting themselves as advocates of "democracy and fair play in Venezuela".

The Guardian

The state MP for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen, said it was astounding the head of the planning body had "no idea what is going on in Haberfield".

The Guardian

He said that it was "astounding" how little recognition there had been in Israel "for a man who, over half a century, did so much not just to ensure Israel's survival but actually to help the development of the state.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Joe Rukin, of the Stop HS2 campaign group, said it was "astounded" by the government's proposals.

BBC

Waltham Forest Council said it had not received any money while contractors Skateco said it was "astounded" the council had distanced itself.

BBC

It's astounding.

Cornell University

TAD BRENNAN: It's astounding.

Cornell University

If this is true, it is astounding.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "it was astounding" can be used in formal and informal writing to convey a sense of wonder or disbelief at an event or action.

Common error

Avoid using "it was astounding" too frequently in casual conversation; consider more informal alternatives like "it blew my mind" or "it was unbelievable" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was astounding" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a strong positive reaction of surprise and admiration. As Ludwig AI points out, it is suitable for conveying amazement regarding something unexpected or exceptional.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was astounding" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey surprise and admiration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not extremely common, it appears regularly in news, media, and academic contexts. Remember to consider the tone and context when using this phrase and explore synonyms like "it was remarkable" or "it was amazing" to diversify your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was remarkable

Emphasizes the unusual or noteworthy quality of something.

it was astonishing

Highlights the surprising and almost unbelievable nature of something.

it was extraordinary

Emphasizes the exceptional or unusual quality of something.

it was amazing

Focuses on the feeling of wonder and pleasure caused by something.

it was incredible

Stresses the difficulty in believing something is true.

it was marvelous

Emphasizes the great or wonderful quality of something.

it was stunning

Emphasizes the beauty or impressiveness of something.

it was mind-blowing

Highlights the overwhelming or transformative effect of something.

it was breathtaking

Suggests that something is so impressive it takes your breath away.

it was awe-inspiring

Focuses on the feeling of reverence and respect caused by something.

FAQs

What does "it was astounding" mean?

The phrase "it was astounding" means that something was surprisingly impressive or shocking. It conveys a sense of great wonder or amazement.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it was astounding"?

It's suitable when you want to express a strong feeling of surprise and admiration. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but consider the audience and adjust your language accordingly. Other phrases with the same meaning are "it was remarkable" or "it was astonishing".

Are there any synonyms for "it was astounding"?

Yes, you can use synonyms such as "it was amazing", "it was incredible", or "it was stunning" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use it to describe something that greatly impressed or surprised you. For example, "The level of detail in the artwork was astounding", or "It was astounding how quickly she learned to play the piano".