it was delightful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was delightful" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe an enjoyable experience, for example: "We went to a picnic in the park yesterday, and it was delightful - the sun was shining, the food was delicious, and it was great to spend time with friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How Pip has changed – can this really be the same boy who after taking tea with Wemmick earlier in the novel remarked "it was delightful to see how warm and greasy we all got after it"?

The Guardian - Books

The governor presented the attendees with robes and staffs of state to symbolise their position, and Robert Junius wrote that "it was delightful to see the friendliness of these people when they met for the first time, to notice how they kissed each other and gazed at one another.

Wikipedia

It was delightful".

The New York Times

"It was delightful," Cohen said.

The New York Times - Sports

As a performance, though, it was delightful.

The New Yorker

"It was delightful," Mr. Smith said.

The New York Times

It was delightful, delovely and cathartic.

The New York Times - Arts

In the end, it was delightful.

The New York Times - Travel

Yes it did, and it was delightful beyond all reason.

The New York Times - Food

It was delightful at times, to be sure.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"But they realize that on its own, it's delightful".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was delightful" to express genuine pleasure or satisfaction, avoiding overuse in overly formal or technical contexts.

Common error

While "it was delightful" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing, where more sophisticated vocabulary might be preferred. Consider using phrases like "it proved advantageous" or "it yielded positive results" instead.

Linguistic Context

"It was delightful" functions as a subjective expression of positive sentiment or approval. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase indicates that the speaker or writer experienced something enjoyable or pleasing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

9%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was delightful" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a sense of pleasure or satisfaction. According to Ludwig, the phrase is widely recognized and accepted in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as academic writing, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for various communicative purposes. When aiming for diverse expression, consider alternatives such as "it was a pleasure", "it was wonderful" or "it was lovely". While Ludwig confirms its correctness, exercise moderation in extremely formal or technical contexts for optimal impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a pleasure

Shifts the focus to the feeling of gratification experienced.

it was a joy

Emphasizes a feeling of happiness and contentment.

it was wonderful

Highlights the extraordinary or remarkable nature of the experience.

it was lovely

Suggests a feeling of gentle pleasure and charm.

it was fantastic

Implies a sense of excitement and enthusiasm.

it was superb

Emphasizes the high quality or excellence of something.

it was marvelous

Expresses a sense of wonder and amazement.

it was exquisite

Highlights the delicate beauty or refined quality of something.

it was sublime

Suggests an experience of elevated beauty or spiritual significance.

it was a treat

Implies a special or indulgent experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was delightful" to describe an enjoyable experience, for example: "The concert was amazing, it was delightful to see my favorite band perform live."

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

You can use alternatives like "it was a pleasure", "it was wonderful", or "it was lovely" depending on the context.

Is "it was delightful" formal or informal?

"It was delightful" is generally considered to be neutral in tone. It is suitable for both informal and moderately formal contexts, but avoid using it in technical documentation.

What's the difference between "it was delightful" and "it was delicious"?

"It was delightful" describes an overall pleasant experience, while "it was delicious" is specifically used to describe something that tastes good.