it was evolution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was evolution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of evolution in a scientific or philosophical context, often to explain a change or development over time. Example: "When asked how the species adapted to its environment, the biologist simply replied, 'It was evolution at work.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It was evolution rather than revolution but at least the magazine looked more attractive.

The Guardian

"It was evolution," James O'Brien, the club's director of communications, said.

The New York Times

As he reports in Naturwissenschaften, he suspects it was evolution in other species that caused the change.Whales that suffer the bends often do so because they have surfaced to escape a predator such as a large shark.

The Economist

On its face, the statement suggested only that the signers questioned the power of natural selection, although wording appearing in the advertisement surreptitiously hinted that it was evolution itself that was being questioned by the signatories, not merely the power of natural selection.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"But it's evolution".

The New York Times - Food

It is evolution.

The Guardian - Sport

It's evolution, baby".

The New York Times

It's evolution in reverse.

The New York Times

It's evolution in action.

The Guardian

"I feel like it's evolution.

The Guardian - Film

It is "Evolution for Everyone," not "Evolution for Everybody".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was evolution" to explain a process that unfolded gradually over time, rather than a sudden, revolutionary change.

Common error

Avoid using "it was evolution" to describe rapid, sudden shifts; reserve it for processes characterized by gradual development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was evolution" functions as a statement or explanation to describe a gradual process of change or development, as indicated by Ludwig. It emphasizes the incremental nature of the transformation rather than a sudden shift.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was evolution" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, typically employed to describe gradual changes or developments over time. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's best suited for contexts where the transformation is incremental rather than abrupt. While Ludwig provides several examples from News & Media and Scientific sources, the phrase maintains a generally neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure the context involves a gradual process; otherwise, consider alternatives like "it was revolution" for sudden shifts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it evolved

This is a shorter, more direct way of expressing the same idea.

it developed over time

This alternative focuses on the temporal aspect of development.

it naturally progressed

This alternative focuses on the natural aspect of the process and result.

it unfolded gradually

This alternative emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the process.

it underwent a transformation

This highlights the fundamental change that occurred.

it changed incrementally

This emphasizes small steps in the transformation process.

it arose through gradual change

This alternative highlights the role of incremental modifications.

it was a process of becoming

This alternative focuses on the ongoing nature of the development.

it materialized progressively

This alternative emphasizes the continuous nature of the process and its result.

it was an emergent property

This alternative highlights the way a system develops complexity over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was evolution" to describe gradual changes or developments over time. For example, "The company's success wasn't a sudden event; "it was evolution" at work".

What's a simpler way to say "it was evolution"?

A simpler way to say "it was evolution" is to say "it evolved", which directly conveys the idea of gradual development.

Is it correct to use "it was evolution" when describing a sudden change?

No, "it was evolution" is best used to describe gradual changes. For sudden changes, consider phrases like "it was a revolution" or "it was a sudden shift".

What is the difference between "it was evolution" and "it was revolution"?

"It was evolution" describes a gradual, incremental process of change, while "it was revolution" describes a sudden and dramatic change.