it was emerging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was emerging" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is coming into view, becoming apparent, or developing over time. Example: "As the sun began to rise, a beautiful landscape was emerging from the darkness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The Republican plan to address debt right now, in an economic trough, echoes the horrendous mistake Japan made in the mid-1990s just as it was emerging from its own deep recession.

The New York Times

If it was emerging, it did so haltingly, and then retreated into its hole.

The New Yorker

Hammer explained that it was emerging from the storm drains.

The New Yorker

Last year it was emerging markets and "frugal innovation".

The Economist

It was emerging everywhere at once, with no clear alternative in sight.

The New York Times

It was emerging from colonialism as one of the most impoverished nations in the world.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It's emerging across boho America.

Independent

It's emerging markets and Europe that interest Flanders most.

The Guardian - Money

It is emerging that friendly fire was the possible cause of two of the deaths.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is emerging at the back of his head, quite literally a pink O.

Independent

It is emerging into a higher class of data communication system.

WDM Technologies Active Optical Components

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was emerging" to describe the initial stages of development or when something is just starting to become noticeable. For example: "A new trend was emerging in the fashion industry."

Common error

Avoid using "it was emerging" to describe something that is already fully developed or has reached its final form. This phrase is best suited for processes that are still in progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was emerging" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an ongoing process or state of becoming in the past. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase describes something that is coming into view, becoming apparent, or developing over time. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use across various contexts to describe processes of development and revelation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was emerging" is a versatile verbal phrase used to describe something that was in the process of becoming apparent or developing in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It's commonly found in news, science, and formal business contexts, highlighting its adaptability across various communication styles. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to use it to describe processes still in progress, rather than situations that have already reached a conclusion. Alternatives like "it was becoming apparent" or "it was taking shape" can be used to convey similar meanings with subtle differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was developing

Focuses on the progressive growth and evolution of something.

it was becoming apparent

Emphasizes the increasing clarity or obviousness of something.

it was coming to light

Suggests the uncovering or revelation of something previously unknown.

it was coming into view

Focuses on the visual aspect of something becoming visible.

it was beginning to show

Emphasizes initial signs of something becoming noticeable.

it was unfolding

Describes the gradual revelation of events or details.

it was taking shape

Highlights the formation and development of something.

it was materializing

Implies something is becoming real or concrete.

it was arising

Highlights the commencement or origin of something.

it was surfacing

Emphasizes the act of something coming to the surface from below.

FAQs

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

Use "it was emerging" to indicate that something was in the process of becoming noticeable or developing. For example, "A consensus "was emerging" among the committee members".

What are some alternatives to "it was emerging"?

You can use alternatives like "it was becoming apparent", "it was taking shape", or "it was developing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it is emerging" instead of "it was emerging"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they refer to different time frames. "It is emerging" indicates something is currently happening, while "it was emerging" refers to something that was happening in the past.

What's the difference between "it was emerging" and "it emerged"?

"It was emerging" describes a process of gradual development in the past. "It emerged" indicates that something appeared or became known suddenly or definitively in the past.