it was deliberate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was deliberate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an action or decision was intentional and not accidental. Example: "The changes made to the report were not a mistake; it was deliberate to ensure clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes, it was deliberate.

The New Yorker

It was deliberate, calculated.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was deliberate, too.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was deliberate but not pristine".

The New York Times

So yes, it was deliberate.

The Washington Post

Or perhaps it was deliberate.

The Guardian - Business

It was deliberate and ideological.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Of course it was deliberate.

The Guardian

Mrs Hurndall said: "It was deliberate.

The Guardian

"Yeah, it was deliberate," Palmer said.

The New York Times - Sports

It was never established whether it was deliberate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While "it was deliberate" is generally suitable, synonyms like "it was intentional" or "it was purposeful" might be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "deliberate" (intentional) with "debilitate" (to weaken). These words have very different meanings, and a typo can significantly alter your intended message. Ensure you're using the correct word for your desired meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was deliberate" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that a particular action or event was intentional and pre-planned. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to emphasize the lack of accident or chance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was deliberate" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to emphasize that an action was intentional and not accidental. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from news and media sources, highlighting its neutral register. When writing, be mindful not to confuse "deliberate" with "debilitate". Consider using synonyms such as "it was intentional" or "it was purposeful" to add nuance to your writing. The phrase is versatile and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was intentional

Replaces "deliberate" with its direct synonym "intentional", maintaining the same meaning.

it was purposeful

Stresses the existence of a clear aim or intention behind the action.

it was a conscious decision

Emphasizes the awareness and thoughtfulness behind the action, adding a layer of consideration.

it was no accident

Denies any accidental nature of the event, emphasizing its intended occurrence.

it was a calculated move

Highlights the strategic and planned nature of the action, suggesting a careful assessment of consequences.

it was a planned action

Highlights the element of planning involved in the action.

it was by design

Focuses on the pre-planned and purposeful aspect of the action, implying a specific goal in mind.

it was premeditated

Implies a prior planning and deliberation, often used in legal contexts.

it was prearranged

Emphasizes that something was arranged or decided in advance, often secretly.

it was predetermined

Suggests that the action or outcome was decided in advance and unchangeable.

FAQs

What does "it was deliberate" mean?

The phrase "it was deliberate" means that an action or decision was intentional and not accidental. It indicates that someone consciously chose to do something.

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

You can use alternatives like "it was intentional", "it was purposeful", or "it was a conscious decision depending on the context.

How do I use "it was deliberate" in a sentence?

You can use "it was deliberate" to emphasize that an action was planned and not a mistake. For example, "The omission of his name from the list was not an oversight; it was deliberate."

Is "it was deliberate" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was deliberate" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.