it was disorderly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was disorderly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that was chaotic or lacking in order. Example: "The meeting quickly devolved into chaos, and by the end, it was disorderly with everyone talking over each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Remember", said Mr Brown, "when Mrs Thatcher left, it was unstable, it was disorderly and it was undignified".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Though it's disorderly, it's not so dull and besides, neither loses anything through my infidelity".

The New York Times - Health

For the material he shapes isn't created by him and, because it is disorderly and indeterminate, partially resists his ordering.

SEP

Rodriguez thinks it's Disorderly Conduct but checks his Palm Pilot to be sure.

Vice

It is true that the process was disorderly and disruptive.

The Guardian - Opinion

He had been in the bathroom there with another man, and though the charge was disorderly conduct the crime, as it was then, was gay sex.

The New Yorker

His family life was disorderly.

The New Yorker

She was thrown out and the club allege she was "disorderly".

The Guardian - Sport

The woods were very dense and the advance was disorderly.

Wikipedia

According to Theophanes, the two Byzantine generals quarrelled among themselves, and their attack was disorderly.

Wikipedia

Police on the scene say the OFAC employee was "disorderly and disruptive".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was disorderly", ensure the context is clear about what 'it' refers to. Using a specific noun before can improve clarity (e.g. "The meeting was disorderly").

Common error

While generally acceptable, "it was disorderly" might sound too informal in very formal or academic writing. Consider stronger, more precise synonyms like "chaotic", "uncontrolled", or "disorganized" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was disorderly" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a subject (represented by "it") as lacking order or being in a state of disarray. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was disorderly" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe a situation lacking order or control, as confirmed by Ludwig. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and opt for more precise synonyms like "chaotic" or "unruly" in formal settings. Its usage is frequent in news media and scientific publications, but less so in formal business contexts. Remember clarity and context when using this phrase for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was chaotic

Replaces 'disorderly' with a synonym emphasizing confusion and lack of control.

it was unruly

Emphasizes a lack of discipline and control.

it was disorganized

Highlights the lack of structured organization.

it was uncontrolled

Emphasizes the absence of regulation or restraint.

it was turbulent

Suggests a state of disturbance and agitation.

it lacked order

Focuses on the absence of a structured arrangement.

it was disrupted

Highlights an interruption of the normal course of events.

it was a mess

Uses a more informal expression to convey a state of disarray.

it was tumultuous

Suggests a scene filled with noise, confusion and excitement.

it was disturbed

Describes a state of confusion or interruption.

FAQs

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

Use "it was disorderly" to describe situations lacking order or control. For instance: "The protest became heated, and "it was disorderly", with people shouting and pushing".

What are some alternatives to "it was disorderly"?

You can use alternatives like "it was chaotic", "it was unruly", or "it was disorganized" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was disorderly" formal or informal?

"It was disorderly" is generally considered neutral in tone. While acceptable in most contexts, more formal situations may benefit from using stronger synonyms like "it was uncontrolled" or "it was tumultuous".

What does "it was disorderly" mean?

"It was disorderly" means that something was lacking order, organization, or control. It suggests a state of confusion, disarray, or disruption.