it was edifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was edifying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an experience or information that has provided intellectual or moral improvement. Example: "The lecture on environmental conservation was so insightful; it was edifying to learn about sustainable practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It was edifying while it lasted.

The New Yorker

It was edifying to watch them struggle with that.

The New Yorker

By William Finnegan It was edifying while it lasted.

The New Yorker

He went down to the woods with an axe in… It was edifying while it lasted.

The New Yorker

It was edifying to see such goodwill for an artist whose name is a byword for shambolic shows, and whose unfamiliar material stymied their attempts to sing along.

Independent

It was edifying to see him defy the cynics, though it must be said that Hewitt seemed less than wholly convinced.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

In our digitally mediated world, it is edifying to be reminded of the tactile power of a pencil.

The Guardian - Arts

It's edifying that even in this day and age, you can get such shiny change from a Penny.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And it is edifying to grant a 17-year-old the autonomy to fail and face the consequences (if his boss becomes more alert).

The New York Times - Magazine

St Jovite, Bolger's previous winner of this race in 1992, proceeded to beat older horses in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot and it is edifying that Bolger is giving consideration to taking the same route with Trading Leather – the race having lost much of its lustre since, through its neglect by the top three-year-olds.

Independent

Their discussion is as entertaining as it is edifying and their assertions are as sound as they are fantastical.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was edifying" to describe an experience that provided valuable insight and understanding, especially when you want to emphasize intellectual or moral improvement. It's suitable for describing lectures, books, discussions, or any event that broadened your perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "it was edifying" in very informal settings. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it was interesting" or "I learned a lot".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was edifying" functions as a declarative statement, expressing that a past experience or piece of information was intellectually or morally beneficial. As Ludwig AI points out, it conveys a sense of learning and personal improvement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was edifying" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe experiences that provide intellectual or moral enrichment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, although it suggests being mindful of the register and avoiding it in very informal contexts. The phrase is common in news media and academic writing and is a useful way to express appreciation for enlightening experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was enlightening

Replaces "edifying" with "enlightening", emphasizing the aspect of gaining knowledge and understanding.

it was instructive

Focuses on the teaching aspect, highlighting that something provided guidance or information.

it was informative

Highlights the wealth of information gained from the experience.

it was educational

Emphasizes the learning experience and the acquisition of new knowledge.

it was illuminating

Similar to "enlightening", but carries a stronger sense of revealing something previously hidden.

it was revealing

Focuses on the unveiling of new information or perspectives.

it was thought-provoking

Highlights that the experience stimulated deep thought and reflection.

it was enriching

Emphasizes the enhancement of one's understanding or personal growth.

it was eye-opening

Suggests a transformative experience that changed one's perspective.

it was clarifying

Highlights the act of making something easier to understand.

FAQs

What does "it was edifying" mean?

The phrase "it was edifying" means that something was intellectually or morally instructive and improving. It suggests that you learned something valuable or gained a deeper understanding from the experience.

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

You can use alternatives like "it was enlightening", "it was instructive", or "it was informative" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was edifying" formal or informal?

"It was edifying" is generally considered a formal phrase. It is more appropriate for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts than for casual conversations.

How to use "it was edifying" in a sentence?

You can use "it was edifying" to describe any experience or piece of information that provided intellectual or moral benefit. For example, "The lecture on astrophysics was so insightful; it was edifying to learn about the origins of the universe."