it was contemporary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was contemporary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that existed or occurred at the same time as another event or in the same period, often in relation to art, culture, or history. Example: "The artist's work was groundbreaking, and it was contemporary with the major movements of the time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It was "contemporary with character," Ms. Panzer said.

The New York Times

Most of it was contemporary, but there was one piece that was old — really old.

The New York Times - Magazine

Coppola's next problem was the script: "It was contemporary, set in the seventies there were hippies in it.

The New Yorker

"We felt, rightly or wrongly, that if it was contemporary, young audiences would think he was a complete nerd," he said.

The New York Times

Suggested reading for the young cast included Lucy Worsley's Cavalier, the chirpy TV historian's portrait of a colourful 17th-century aristocrat, although it was contemporary news events that caught the imagination of Game of Thrones and Skins actor Joe Dempsie.

Independent

First it was contemporary music (Alvin Curran, Laurie Anderson), then classical from the 17th to the early 20th century (Bach, Webern and a fine, at times ravishing production of Monteverdi's opera "Orfeo," which she directed and choreographed).

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Somehow it's contemporary.

The New York Times - Arts

It's contemporary electronic music.

The Guardian - Music

And yet it's contemporary.

The New York Times - Arts

It's contemporary.

The Guardian - Music

"It's contemporary and hip but also respecting tradition".

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was contemporary" when you want to emphasize that something existed or was relevant during a specific period. Be mindful of the context, ensuring that the subject aligns with the historical or cultural timeframe.

Common error

Avoid using "it was contemporary" to describe something that is meant to be timeless or has qualities that transcend specific eras. This can create confusion about the subject's relevance and perceived historical context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was contemporary" serves as a descriptive statement, positioning something within a specific historical or cultural context. It indicates that the subject was relevant or modern during a particular period. Ludwig provides examples that showcase its use in describing various aspects of art, culture, and historical events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was contemporary" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something's relevance or modernity during a specific time. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase often appears in news and media contexts, functioning to provide historical or cultural context. While alternatives like "it was modern" or "it was current" can be used, it's important to consider the specific nuance and historical timeframe you wish to convey. Avoid using the phrase for subjects that are meant to be timeless to prevent confusion. With a solid base in reputable sources and a consistent usage pattern, the phrase is reliable and effective in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was modern

Replaces "contemporary" with "modern", emphasizing a break from the past.

it was up-to-date

Highlights the currentness and relevance of the subject.

it was current

Focuses on the subject's existence or validity in the present time.

it was of its time

Emphasizes the alignment with the period in which the subject existed.

it was present-day

Specifically denotes something belonging to the current era.

it was recent

Highlights the newness or freshness of the subject.

it was the trend

Shifts the focus to the subject being a popular or fashionable item.

it was state-of-the-art

Emphasizes the advanced or cutting-edge nature of the subject.

it was the new thing

Informal expression stressing novelty and public interest.

it was in vogue

Indicates that the subject was fashionable or popular at the time.

FAQs

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

Use "it was contemporary" to describe something that existed or was relevant during a specific period. For example, "The music "it was contemporary" with the rise of rock and roll".

What are some alternatives to "it was contemporary"?

You can use alternatives like "it was modern", "it was up to date", or "it was current" depending on the specific context.

Is "it was contemporary" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was contemporary" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate that something existed or was relevant during a particular time period. Ludwig AI confirms this.

What's the difference between "it was contemporary" and "it is contemporary"?

"It was contemporary" refers to something that was current or modern in the past, while "it is contemporary" refers to something that is current or modern now.