it was enlightened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was enlightened" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a moment of realization or understanding, often in a philosophical or metaphorical context. Example: "After years of searching for answers, he finally had an epiphany; it was enlightened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It was enlightened economic self interest.

The New York Times

"It was enlightened self-interest," says Albert Hoser, head of the Siemens Foundation, a corporate charity created in 1998.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It was enlightening for me".

The New York Times

It was enlightening and it expanded my focus.

The New York Times

It was enlightening to speak with men and women at the forefront of science and technology.

The New York Times

It was enlightening to see what wasn't in the picture as well as what was.

The New York Times

It was enlightening in ways that I would love to see developed in a full lecture-display.

The New York Times - Arts

It was enlightening to see the number of deals they offered to try get me to change my mind.

The Guardian - Sport

It was enlightening.

Huffington Post

It was enlightening and telling.

Huffington Post

The Forum was at times uncomfortable, yet overall it was enlightening.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was enlightened" when you want to convey a sense of sudden understanding or a profound realization gained from an experience. Ensure the context clearly indicates what was previously unclear or misunderstood.

Common error

Avoid using "it was enlightened" when a simpler word like "interesting", "informative", or "useful" would suffice. Overusing the term can make your writing sound pretentious or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was enlightened" functions as a statement indicating that something provided a new understanding or perspective. It describes an experience that led to a greater level of awareness. Ludwig shows examples in both personal and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was enlightened" serves to express a newfound understanding or perspective. While grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates its use is relatively rare. It tends to appear in news, media and scientific contexts, lending a sense of formality. When seeking alternative phrases, consider "it was illuminating" or "it was revealing" to achieve similar effects. Use "it was enlightened" thoughtfully, aiming for clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was illuminating

Replaces "enlightened" with a synonym emphasizing the act of shedding light on a subject.

it was revealing

Focuses on the act of uncovering previously hidden information.

it was eye-opening

Emphasizes the surprise and novelty of the realization.

it was insightful

Highlights the depth of understanding gained.

it was edifying

Suggests that the experience was morally or intellectually improving.

it was instructive

Focuses on the educational value of the experience.

it was clarifying

Emphasizes the removal of confusion or ambiguity.

it provided clarity

Shifts the focus to the result of the experience, which is clarity.

it brought understanding

Highlights the gain of understanding as a consequence of the experience.

it fostered wisdom

Implies that the experience contributed to a deeper sense of wisdom.

FAQs

What does "it was enlightened" mean?

The phrase "it was enlightened" means that someone or something gained a deeper understanding or realization, often implying a positive and transformative experience. You can use alternatives like "it was illuminating" or "it was revealing".

When is it appropriate to use "it was enlightened" in a sentence?

Use "it was enlightened" when describing a moment of significant learning, understanding, or spiritual awakening. It's suitable when something previously obscure becomes clear and meaningful.

What are some alternatives to saying "it was enlightened"?

Some alternatives to "it was enlightened" include "it was eye-opening", "it was insightful", and "it was clarifying". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was enlightened" a formal or informal expression?

"It was enlightened" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans towards formal due to the weight of the word "enlightened". Simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual conversation.