it was boiling

USAGE SUMMARY

'it was boiling' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is at a very high temperature. For example: "I stepped into the kitchen and the air was thick with heat--the pot on the stove was boiling!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Between the summer temperatures and the lighting, "it was boiling hot," she said.

The New York Times

"It was boiling hot," he recalled.

The New York Times - Magazine

I kept fainting because it was boiling.

The Guardian

"It was boiling point, the perfect storm," said Banks, an African American.

The Guardian

For the Olympics, Adidas' Climacool range under my rowing suit felt comfortable even though it was boiling hot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was boiling hot, and that was probably the most energetic thing I had to do all day.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It was boiled to his opening words: "But I do feel appreciative!

The New York Times

It was boiled for 5 min.

Journal of Analytical Science and Technology

Then it was boiled for one hour.

International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture

Then it was boiled with distilled water several times until the leaves gave no color.

Applied Water Science

It was boiled sole and glutinous biscuits.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was boiling" to vividly describe extremely hot conditions, whether literal or figurative. It adds more impact than simply saying "it was hot".

Common error

While "it was boiling" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid it in highly formal or scientific writing where a more precise or objective description of temperature is preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was boiling" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. It uses the past tense of the verb "to be" with the adjective "boiling" to depict a state of extreme heat. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English, further supporting its function as a common descriptive phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was boiling" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe conditions of extreme heat or intense agitation. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a perfectly acceptable expression in English. It appears most commonly in news and media sources, with less frequent use in more formal academic or scientific contexts. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "it was extremely hot" or "it was scorching hot" to convey similar meanings. When writing, use "it was boiling" to add vividness to descriptions of heat, but be mindful of the formality of your writing and choose more precise language when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was extremely hot

Replaces "boiling" with a more general term for high temperature.

it was scorching hot

Emphasizes the burning sensation caused by the heat.

it was searing hot

Suggests a dry, intense heat.

it was intensely hot

Focuses on the high degree of heat.

it was sweltering

Describes a humid, oppressive heat.

the temperature was extreme

Shifts the focus to the measurable temperature.

it was like an oven

Uses a simile to convey the intensity of the heat.

it was baking hot

Implies a heat that is pervasive and inescapable.

the heat was unbearable

Emphasizes the discomfort caused by the heat.

it was a pressure cooker

Emphasizes the feeling of being trapped in a hot environment.

FAQs

What does "it was boiling" mean?

The phrase "it was boiling" describes a situation or object experiencing a very high level of heat, similar to water at its boiling point. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation that is highly agitated or intense.

When is it appropriate to use "it was boiling"?

It's appropriate to use "it was boiling" in informal and narrative contexts to vividly describe extreme heat. However, in more formal or scientific writing, more precise language might be preferred.

What can I say instead of "it was boiling"?

You can use alternatives like "it was extremely hot", "it was scorching hot", or "it was searing hot" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was boiling hot" redundant?

While "boiling" already implies heat, using "it was boiling hot" can emphasize the intensity of the heat. However, in some contexts, it might be considered slightly redundant.