it was compensation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was compensation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that serves as a recompense or payment for a loss or service. Example: "After the accident, the company assured me that it was compensation for the damages incurred."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It was compensation for Kipling's white man's burden, and its "old reward: / The blame of those ye better, / The hate of those ye guard".

Huffington Post

So cost-cutting is much more important than it was: compensation ratios at investment banks have fallen (chart 5).

The Economist

It was compensation in part for defeat last year by Jamie Bell, the star of Billy Elliott.

The Guardian

He handed the money to Fischer and said it was compensation for the Soviet Union's failure to pay royalties for Fischer's book "My Sixty Memorable Games".

The New Yorker

But Ms. Quinn said that because it was compensation "for doing more than exactly what they were elected to do," she believed that the stipends were appropriate.

The New York Times

He handed the money to Fischer and said it was compensation for the fact that the Soviet Union had never paid royalties for Fischer's book, "My Sixty Memorable Games".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It's compensation.

Yale University

It is compensation, and should be taxed as such.

The New York Times

We don't believe it is compensation for unequal trade".

The Guardian - Business

"All of these practices," Smith said, "whether it is compensation, due process, privacy, and the significant racial aspect, given that so many of these athletes come from disadvantaged backgrounds — they all come under the heading of fairness".

The New York Times

And one element of it is compensation.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was compensation", ensure the context clearly explains what the compensation is for. Be specific about the loss, damage, or service being recompensed.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "it was compensation" fully covers all aspects of a loss or damage without clearly stating the limits or conditions of the compensation. Ensure all parties understand the extent of the recompense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was compensation" typically functions as a statement of fact, indicating that something served as a form of recompense or payment. Ludwig's examples show its usage in contexts ranging from financial settlements to acknowledging a benefit in a negative situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was compensation" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that something served as a form of recompense or payment. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used in news and media, as well as academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what the compensation is for. Avoid assuming it fully covers all aspects of a loss or damage without explicit clarification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it served as recompense

Emphasizes the act of repaying or making amends for a loss or harm.

it constituted restitution

Highlights the act of restoring something lost or stolen to its proper owner.

it amounted to amends

Focuses on the act of making up for a wrong or injury.

it acted as reimbursement

Specifically refers to repaying money that has already been spent.

it functioned as repayment

Stresses the act of paying back a debt or obligation.

it provided indemnification

Highlights protection or security against a loss or other financial burden.

it represented atonement

Implies making amends for a sin or wrongdoing.

it was a form of redress

Focuses on setting right what is wrong.

it was a means of requital

Emphasizes returning a favor or injury.

it offered satisfaction

Highlights the act of fulfilling an obligation or claim.

FAQs

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

Use "it was compensation" when you want to explain that something was given as a form of recompense or payment for a loss, damage, or service. For example, "The payment she received was compensation for her injuries."

What are some alternatives to "it was compensation"?

You can use alternatives like "it served as recompense", "it constituted restitution", or "it amounted to amends" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "it is compensation" instead of "it was compensation"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they indicate different timeframes. "It is compensation" implies the compensation is current or ongoing, while "it was compensation" indicates the compensation occurred in the past.

What is the difference between saying "it was compensation" and "it was reimbursement"?

"It was compensation" is a more general term for something given to make up for a loss or service. "It was reimbursement" "it acted as reimbursement" specifically refers to being repaid for money already spent.