it was best

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was best" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something was the most favorable or optimal choice in a given situation. Example: "After considering all the options, I decided that it was best to take a step back and reassess my priorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We thought it was best.

The Washington Post

"But I probably thought it was best".

The New York Times - Sports

We thought it was best for Peter.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was best to finish 1-2".

The New York Times - Sports

Junger said it was best administered intravenously.

The New Yorker

It was best left to the imagination.

The Guardian

Perhaps it was best they had their own room.

The New York Times

It was best to call him simply "Boss".

The Economist

It was best exemplified in the person of George Washington.

The New York Times

Then it was best to shift to diamonds.

The New York Times

We both felt it was best to go separate ways.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was best" to clearly communicate that a specific action or decision was the most suitable or advantageous in a particular situation. This phrasing adds a sense of resolution or finality to the statement.

Common error

While "it was best" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "it was deemed most appropriate" or "it proved to be the optimal solution" to enhance the tone and precision of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was best" primarily functions as a subject complement. It follows a linking verb ("was") and describes or identifies the subject (an implied or stated "it"). As Ludwig AI confirms, this is correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was best" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as a subject complement, expressing a judgment about the optimality of something. Ludwig AI supports this assessment. While versatile, it's most common in news and media contexts and possesses a neutral register. For highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "it was deemed most fitting". Remember that although the query has a correct usage according to Ludwig AI, you should always check your tone according to the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seemed most appropriate

Emphasizes suitability and appropriateness over pure optimality.

it appeared the most suitable option

Highlights the apparent suitability of a choice among available options.

it proved to be the optimal solution

Focuses on the proven optimality of a solution after implementation.

it was deemed most fitting

Stresses the judgment of something being the most appropriate.

it turned out to be the finest course of action

Emphasizes that the action was the best discovered over time.

it was the most judicious decision

Highlights the wisdom and careful consideration behind the decision.

it was the prime choice

Focuses on the selection of the best from a range of choices.

it was the top preference

Highlights that something was favored above other options.

it was most advantageous

Focuses on the benefits and advantages of the choice.

it was the superior alternative

Emphasizes that a particular choice was better than others.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was best" to indicate that a particular course of action or decision was the most suitable or advantageous in a given context. For example, "After considering all options, we decided "it was best" to postpone the meeting."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was best"?

Alternatives to "it was best" include phrases like "it seemed most appropriate", "it was deemed most fitting", or "it proved to be the optimal solution", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it was best" formal or informal?

"It was best" falls into a neutral register, suitable for both general and professional communication. However, for highly formal contexts, consider more elevated alternatives. Refer to our writing guidance for more info.

When is it more appropriate to use "it was better" instead of "it was best"?

Use "it was better" when comparing two options and indicating that one is superior. Use "it was best" when referring to the single most optimal choice among multiple possibilities.