it was deplorable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was deplorable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express strong disapproval or disappointment regarding a situation or action. Example: "The conditions in the shelter were so poor that it was deplorable to see how the residents were treated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It was deplorable, he said, to be at college now.

The New Yorker

If the use was small-scale and limited, of course it was deplorable and warranted rigorous investigation.

The Economist

With Torricelli, it was deplorable, in some ways the worst set of same-state relations in modern times.

The New York Times

Responding to the revelations that so much of the tower had been sold off and was underused, Prescott told the Guardian it was "deplorable".

The Guardian

"It was deplorable somebody would say anything like that about a veteran who died for his country to his parents," Mr. Magill said.

The New York Times

She said it was "deplorable scaremongering when, after 14 years of devolution, we've clearly taken a different approach [in Scotland] – it's not going to work".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

In a 1956 front page editorial, headlined "Rock 'n Roll Babies thee Daily Mail declared:It is deplorable.

The Economist

"It is deplorable.

The Guardian

"It's deplorable and it's breaking my heart".

The New York Times

It is deplorable, but at least it is obvious.

The Guardian - Opinion

If the reports are true, it is deplorable".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was deplorable" to express strong disapproval or condemnation of actions, situations, or behaviors that are morally or ethically wrong. It adds weight to your expression of disappointment.

Common error

Avoid using "it was deplorable" in everyday casual conversations. The phrase is formal and may sound unnatural or overly dramatic in informal settings. Opt for simpler, more relatable expressions like "it was awful" or "it was terrible".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was deplorable" functions as a statement expressing strong disapproval or condemnation. It is used to convey a negative judgment about a past action, situation, or condition, indicating that it was morally wrong or unacceptable. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and used to convey disapproval.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was deplorable" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express strong disapproval or condemnation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's commonly found in News & Media, conveying a serious and critical judgment. While effective in formal writing and serious discussions, overuse in casual conversation can seem unnatural. Related phrases like "it was disgraceful" or "it was unacceptable" can offer suitable alternatives depending on the context. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the gravity of the situation to maintain credibility and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was disgraceful

Replaces 'deplorable' with a term emphasizing moral offense.

it was unacceptable

Shifts focus to the lack of permissibility or tolerability.

it was regrettable

Indicates that something is a source of sorrow or disappointment.

it was lamentable

Emphasizes the mournful or tragic nature of the situation.

it was shameful

Highlights the sense of disgrace or dishonor associated with the matter.

it was appalling

Conveys a sense of shock and disgust.

it was terrible

A more general expression of something being very bad or unpleasant.

it was atrocious

Suggests a very cruel or brutal quality.

it was disheartening

Focuses on the loss of morale or enthusiasm.

it was pathetic

Highlights the pitiable or inadequate nature of something.

FAQs

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

Use "it was deplorable" to express strong disapproval or condemnation. For example: "It was deplorable that the company chose to ignore the safety violations."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was deplorable"?

You can use alternatives such as "it was disgraceful", "it was unacceptable", or "it was regrettable" depending on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

What is the difference between "it was deplorable" and "it was bad"?

"It was bad" is a general expression of something being unfavorable. "It was deplorable" implies a stronger moral condemnation or disapproval. "Deplorable" suggests something is not only bad but also shocking and deserving of strong censure.

Is "it is deplorable" more appropriate than "it was deplorable"?

The choice between "it is deplorable" and "it was deplorable" depends on the timing. "It is deplorable" refers to something currently happening or generally true. "It was deplorable" refers to something that happened in the past. For instance, "It is deplorable that such conditions still exist" versus "It was deplorable that the event occurred at all".