it was brutal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was brutal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an experience, event, or situation that was harsh, severe, or difficult to endure. Example: "The competition was intense, and after the final round, I could only think to myself, it was brutal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was brutal in its simplicity.

The Guardian - Sport

To Hackermeyer it was brutal ambiguity; the condition of war at its most unfathomable.

The Guardian - Books

It was brutal".

The New York Times - Magazine

At times it was brutal.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was brutal," Howard recalled.

The New Yorker

"But it was brutal.

The New York Times - Arts

IT WAS brutal and perhaps unexpected.

The Economist

"It was brutal!" she woman continued.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was brutal," Emanuel recalled recently.

The New Yorker

It was "brutal", he says.

The Guardian

It was brutal, glorious, breathtaking.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was brutal," consider the context and audience. While widely understood, it can be replaced with alternatives like "it was harsh" or "it was severe" for formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "it was brutal" to describe mildly unpleasant situations. Reserve it for truly severe or harsh experiences to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was brutal" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing a subjective assessment of a past event or situation. It serves to convey the speaker's perception that something experienced was exceptionally harsh, severe, or difficult. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

20%

Film

15%

Less common in

Books

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was brutal" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe experiences perceived as exceptionally harsh or severe. Ludwig confirms its validity. It's versatile in register, fitting various contexts from news to personal narratives. However, its impact is greatest when reserved for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong descriptor. Alternatives like "it was harsh" or "it was severe" can offer a more restrained tone when needed. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Sport.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was intensely harsh

Emphasizes the high degree of unpleasantness or severity.

it was extremely severe

Focuses on the strict or rigorous nature of the experience.

it was incredibly tough

Highlights the difficulty and resilience required to endure.

it was remarkably cruel

Underscores the heartless or pitiless aspect of the situation.

it was shockingly violent

Draws attention to the physical or forceful nature of the event.

it was devastatingly difficult

Implies that the experience caused significant emotional or mental harm.

it was unbelievably harsh

Expresses surprise or disbelief at the severity of the situation.

it was strikingly fierce

Suggests a powerful and aggressive quality to the experience.

it was astonishingly grim

Highlights the bleak and depressing nature of the event.

it was exceptionally unforgiving

Emphasizes the lack of leniency or compassion in the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was brutal" to describe something extremely harsh, difficult, or severe. For example, "The competition was intense, and after the final round, "it was brutal"."

What are some alternatives to "it was brutal"?

Alternatives include "it was harsh", "it was severe", "it was tough", or "it was cruel", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was brutal" appropriate for formal writing?

While "it was brutal" is widely understood, it may be more appropriate for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more restrained alternatives like "it was severe" or "it was harsh".

When is it best to use "it was brutal"?

Use "it was brutal" when you want to emphasize the extreme unpleasantness or difficulty of a situation. Ensure the context warrants such a strong descriptor to avoid overstatement.