it was disgusting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was disgusting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express strong disapproval or revulsion towards something, such as food, behavior, or an event. Example: "After tasting the dish, I had to admit that it was disgusting and I couldn't finish it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It was disgusting, absolutely disgusting," he said.

The New York Times

It was disgusting.

The New York Times

Frankly, it was disgusting.

The New York Times

Objectively, it was disgusting.

The New York Times - Magazine

I thought it was disgusting.

The New Yorker

It was disgusting to watch….

The New Yorker

Detractors said it was disgusting.

The Guardian - Arts

He added, "It was disgusting".

The New York Times - Sports

And it was disgusting and stomach-turning.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

'It was disgusting,' she says with relish.

The Guardian - Books

The scene wasn't just upsetting it was disgusting.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was disgusting" to express a strong negative reaction to something that offends your senses or moral sensibilities. Be mindful of your audience, as this phrase can be considered quite strong.

Common error

Avoid using "it was disgusting" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more nuanced and less emotive language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was disgusting" serves as a subjective expression of strong disapproval or revulsion. As shown by Ludwig, it communicates a negative assessment of something based on personal feelings and sensory perception. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was disgusting" is a common and grammatically sound way to express strong disapproval or revulsion. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and widely used. It's most frequently found in News & Media contexts, suggesting its role in conveying subjective reactions to events, behaviors, or sensory experiences. While versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal settings. Alternatives like "it was revolting" or "it was appalling" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, be mindful of the strength of the sentiment you’re conveying and whether it’s appropriate for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was revolting

Replaces "disgusting" with a synonym emphasizing the repulsive nature of something.

it was appalling

Substitutes "disgusting" with a word highlighting the shocking and offensive quality.

it was offensive

Replaces "disgusting" to focus on the upsetting or insulting nature of something.

it was sickening

Uses a synonym for "disgusting" that suggests something induces nausea or strong aversion.

it was vile

Emphasizes the morally reprehensible and unpleasant nature, instead of just the unpleasant nature, of something.

it was repulsive

Focuses on how something causes intense distaste or aversion.

it was nauseating

Highlights the quality of something causing a feeling of wanting to vomit.

it was dreadful

Replaces "disgusting" with a more general term for something extremely bad or unpleasant.

it was abhorrent

Indicates something is intensely disliked or loathed.

it was atrocious

Conveys something of very poor quality or shockingly bad.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was disgusting" to express strong disapproval or revulsion. For example: "After tasting the dish, I had to admit that "it was disgusting" and I couldn't finish it."

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

You can use alternatives like "it was revolting", "it was appalling", or "it was offensive", depending on the context.

Is "it was disgusting" too strong of a phrase to use?

Whether "it was disgusting" is too strong depends on the context and your audience. In formal settings, it might be better to use a milder phrase. In informal settings, it is usually acceptable.

Which is correct, "it was disgusting" or "that was disgusting"?

Both "it was disgusting" and "that was disgusting" are grammatically correct, but "it was disgusting" usually refers to a general situation, while "that was disgusting" usually refers to a specific action or event.