it was disruptive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was disruptive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that caused disturbance or interruption. Example: "The unexpected fire drill during the meeting was disruptive, making it difficult for us to concentrate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Bowie was a creative genius who believed in change, and he led a life that was as illustrious as it was disruptive.

Huffington Post

Although the court's ruling was not enforceable outside its jurisdiction, it was disruptive enough that many hospitals in the country, and even in neighboring Austria and Switzerland, recommended that doctors refrain from carrying out circumcisions until legal clarity could be created.

The New York Times

"To even think about it was disruptive and disloyal".

The New York Times

I know it was disruptive to my total-body-conditioning class of small women, gay men, and straight men who came to the class because they were confused and will never return.

The New Yorker

"She was not necessarily attractive or young, so it was disruptive," complained Mr. Le Dû, who left Daniel several years ago and now owns a wine shop in Greenwich Village.

The New York Times - Food

"It was disruptive to other readers," she said, adding that any handling is of concern to the staff at the Beinecke, which has many irreplaceable items in its collection.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"That's hugely inconvenient - it's disruptive to their lives, its disruptive to their families lives," she told the BBC.

BBC

But the disruption induced by migration is not all creative: it is disruptive and has downsides.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's disruptive.

The New York Times

Today it is "disruptive innovation".

The Economist

It's disruptive and distracting".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was disruptive", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to. This maintains clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it was disruptive" when intending to convey innovation or positive change. While disruption can lead to progress, the phrase often carries a negative connotation of disturbance or interference. Opt for terms like "innovative" or "transformative" when describing positive change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was disruptive" primarily functions as a declarative statement. It makes an assertion about a subject ('it') and ascribes to it the quality of being disruptive. This quality indicates that the subject caused an interruption or disturbance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was disruptive" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that caused a disturbance or interruption. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely accepted in written English. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, with a neutral register. While often carrying a negative connotation, its precise meaning is dependent on the specific context in which it is used. When employing the phrase, it is best to ensure that the referent of "it" is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider using alternatives like "it caused a disturbance" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it caused a disturbance

Focuses more on the act of disturbing rather than the characteristic of being disruptive.

it created chaos

Emphasizes the disordered or chaotic state resulting from the disruption.

it interfered with

Highlights the obstruction or prevention of something's progress.

it threw a wrench into things

An idiomatic expression indicating a sudden and unexpected disruption.

it upset the balance

Suggests a disruption of equilibrium or stability.

it derailed the process

Implies a forceful change of course or direction.

it unsettled things

Focuses on the lack of stability or order.

it threw everything into disarray

Indicates a complete lack of order or organization.

it proved problematic

Highlights the creation of a problem or difficulty.

it threw a monkey wrench in the works

An idiom indicating an unexpected obstacle or problem that disrupts a plan.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "it caused a disturbance", "it created chaos", or "it interfered with depending on the specific context".

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

Use "it was disruptive" to describe something that caused an interruption or disturbance. For example, "The loud construction outside my window made it disruptive to concentrate on my work".

What is the difference between "it was disruptive" and "it was distracting"?

"It was disruptive" implies an interruption that hinders progress or activity, while "it was distracting" means something diverted attention. A sudden noise could be both "disruptive" and "distracting", but a visually appealing poster might only be distracting.

Is "it was disruptive" always negative?

While "it was disruptive" often carries a negative connotation, describing an unwelcome interruption, the context determines the overall sentiment. In discussions of innovation, "it was disruptive" might imply positive change that challenges the status quo, although alternatives like "it was innovative" might be preferable in this case.