it was execution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was execution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts discussing a specific event or action that involved carrying out a plan or decision, often in a critical or evaluative manner. Example: "In the end, it was execution that determined the project's success, not just the initial idea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"It was execution.

The Guardian

It was execution that let them down.

The Guardian - Sport

It was execution, Boston Celtics style, the ball getting exactly where it needed to go.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was execution and then we saw things and [Syracuse head coach Gary Gait] and his staff did a great job of preparing his program, and we weren't able to react to them," O'Leary said.

The New York Times

"The boys are a bit down because they care, which is something you need, but for me, they can keep their heads held high; it was execution, not effort.

BBC

Only a few years ago it was "servant leadership" and when I was young it was "execution and financial acumen". Most studies find that there are dozens of management and leadership traits that define success, and each of us brings a slightly different and unique combination of them.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Ideas are two-a-penny, it's execution that counts, and you can't execute anything totally on your own.

TechCrunch

"It's execution," he said.

The Washington Post

"Now it's execution time," he said.

The New York Times

"It's execution, it's skill and it's the individual errors - that was the biggest disappointment.

Independent

In "The Scarlet Pimpernel," for instance, it's execution time for two characters in revolutionary France.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was execution", ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it was execution" when referring to the initial planning stages. This phrase is most accurate when describing the implementation phase where actions are carried out.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was execution" functions as a predicative nominative, where "it" refers to a previously mentioned event, plan, or idea, and "execution" identifies the core reason for a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was execution" is a grammatically sound and contextually appropriate way to highlight the significance of implementation in achieving specific outcomes. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media contexts, indicating its relevance in analytical and evaluative discussions. When using this phrase, ensure the reference for "it" is clear and that the focus remains on the actions taken during implementation, rather than the initial planning stages. Alternatives such as "it was implementation" and "it was the performance" can offer nuanced perspectives depending on the desired emphasis. The effectiveness of communication hinges on clarity, accuracy, and relevance; therefore, "it was execution" should be used precisely to reflect the critical role of implementation in determining results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was perfectly executed

Stresses the flawless nature of the action, suggesting precision and skill.

it was implementation

Focuses on the process of putting a plan into effect, rather than the effectiveness of the action.

it was the performance

Emphasizes the manner in which a task was carried out, often in terms of skill or quality.

it all came down to the follow-through

Stresses the critical importance of completing an action after it has been initiated.

it was carried out effectively

Highlights the successful completion of a task, stressing the positive outcome.

the key was in performing it

Highlights the significance of the active performance, rather than just planning or ideation.

the success hinged on its application

Focuses on the critical importance of the practical application for achieving success.

the results depended on the action

Emphasizes how the final outcome was directly influenced by a specific course of action.

it was a question of delivery

Highlights the manner of presentation or conveyance of information.

it was a stylistic choice

Shifts the focus to the aesthetic or presentational aspects of the action.

FAQs

What does "it was execution" mean?

The phrase "it was execution" typically refers to the successful or unsuccessful implementation of a plan or idea. It emphasizes the importance of carrying out a plan effectively.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it was execution"?

You can use "it was execution" when discussing the results or outcomes of a process, plan, or strategy, particularly when evaluating how well the plan was carried out.

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

You can use alternatives like "it was implementation", "it was the performance", or "it was carried out effectively" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "it was execution" and "it was the strategy"?

"It was execution" focuses on the implementation, while "it was the strategy" focuses on the planning and conceptualization. One refers to how something was done, and the other refers to what was intended to be done.