it was exceptional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was exceptional" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that stands out positively or is of high quality in a particular context. Example: "The performance last night was exceptional, leaving the audience in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

It was exceptional because its head, neck, back, and tail were covered with a thick, short "pelage" of dark filaments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet it was exceptional.

The Economist

"It was exceptional as a first speech.

The Guardian

Taken in short bursts, most of it was exceptional.

The Guardian - Music

"It was exceptional that I didn't know about it — extraordinary," Shiffrin said.

The New Yorker

The meeting between victim and killer was as remarkable as it was exceptional.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

But what's really unusual about the Compact is its battery life: it is exceptional.

The Guardian - Tech

"It's wonderful, it's exceptional for us," said its chef, 44-year-old Benoît Violier.

The Guardian

The 2016 decision is no exception in this regard, but it is exceptional in another way.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's exceptional.

The New York Times

It is exceptional with monkfish.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was exceptional" to highlight a positive deviation from the norm, emphasizing the uniqueness or high quality of something.

Common error

Avoid using "it was exceptional" to describe ordinary events or situations; reserve it for instances that genuinely stand out.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was exceptional" functions as a subject complement, with 'it' as the subject and 'exceptional' as the adjective describing the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

12%

Travel

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Sport

8%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was exceptional" is a versatile phrase used to express strong approval and highlight superior quality. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Predominantly found in News & Media and Encyclopedia sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure its application aligns with instances genuinely deserving of such high praise to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "it was remarkable" or "it was outstanding" can provide variety while maintaining the intended sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was remarkable

Replaces "exceptional" with "remarkable", indicating something worthy of attention or admiration.

it was outstanding

Substitutes "exceptional" with "outstanding", suggesting something prominent and excellent.

it was extraordinary

Uses "extraordinary" instead of "exceptional", highlighting something beyond the ordinary.

it was superb

Replaces "exceptional" with "superb", emphasizing a high quality or excellence.

it was magnificent

Substitutes "exceptional" with "magnificent", indicating something impressively beautiful or elaborate.

it was wonderful

Replaces "exceptional" with "wonderful", conveying a sense of delight or admiration.

it was impressive

Substitutes "exceptional" with "impressive", highlighting something that evokes admiration or respect.

it was first-rate

Uses "first-rate" instead of "exceptional", suggesting something of the highest quality or standard.

it was unparalleled

Replaces "exceptional" with "unparalleled", emphasizing its uniqueness and lack of comparison.

it was top-notch

Substitutes "exceptional" with "top-notch", indicating something of superior quality.

FAQs

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

Use "it was exceptional" to describe something that exceeded expectations or was notably superior. For example, "The concert performance was exceptional, showcasing the orchestra's talent."

What are some alternatives to "it was exceptional"?

You can use alternatives like "it was remarkable", "it was outstanding", or "it was extraordinary" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "it was exceptional" or "it is exceptional"?

The choice depends on the context. Use "it was exceptional" for past events or completed actions. Use "it is exceptional" for ongoing or general statements.

What's the difference between "it was exceptional" and "it was good"?

"It was good" indicates a satisfactory level, while "it was exceptional" implies that something was far above average, demonstrating superior quality or performance.