it was extreme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was extreme" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, action, or feeling that was intense or beyond the usual limits. Example: "The weather during the storm was so severe that it was extreme, causing widespread damage across the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"It was Extreme Archaeology (with its overtones of tokenism) meets Indiana Jones (cue the improvised flaming torch and the destruction of the most important archaeological find ever to be made minutes after its discovery)" said Julian Richards - while admitting that he was glued to the screen.

The Guardian - Arts

Most scientists he and his co-author, Douglas Randall, consulted said it was extreme both in magnitude and its global geographic reach.

The New York Times

It was extreme depression".

The New York Times - Sports

Because it was extreme.

The Guardian

As I feared, it was extreme.

The Washington Post

And it was extreme, if not obscene.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

It's extreme disappointment.

Independent

It's extreme overreaction.

Independent

"It's extreme," Susskind said.

The New York Times

"It's extreme bigotry".

The Guardian - Books

It's extreme, a little out there.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was extreme", ensure the context clearly defines what aspect was extreme. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your message. For instance, specify whether the weather, the behavior, or the situation was extreme.

Common error

Avoid using "it was extreme" as a generic intensifier. Ensure that you provide specific details to support why something is considered extreme, rather than relying solely on the adjective itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was extreme" functions as a declarative statement, expressing a judgment about the intensity or severity of a situation, feeling, or action. As seen in the examples provided by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to highlight that something exceeded typical boundaries or expectations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was extreme" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something exceeded normal boundaries or was particularly intense. According to Ludwig, the phrase is widely used in news and media, with a neutral register making it suitable for diverse contexts. While versatile, it is important to provide clear context to specify what aspect was considered extreme. Alternatives such as "it was incredibly intense" or "it went too far" can add nuance depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was incredibly intense

Emphasizes the high degree of intensity of the subject.

it reached extremes

Focuses on the process of reaching an extreme state, rather than stating the condition directly.

it was utterly excessive

Highlights the over-the-top nature of something.

it was way over the top

Implies a lack of moderation or restraint.

it went too far

Suggests that something crossed a line or boundary.

it was severely drastic

Stresses the harsh and forceful nature of an action or situation.

it was highly radical

Highlights the departure from the norm of something.

it was truly outrageous

Focuses on the shocking or unacceptable nature of something.

it bordered on fanatical

Suggests an obsessive or overly enthusiastic quality.

it was quite extraordinary

Emphasizes the unusual and remarkable nature of an event.

FAQs

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

Use "it was extreme" to describe situations, actions, or feelings that are far beyond the norm or highly intense. For example, "The heat during the summer was so intense that "it was extreme", making outdoor activities unbearable".

What are some alternatives to "it was extreme"?

Alternatives to "it was extreme" include phrases like "it was incredibly intense", "it was utterly excessive", or "it went too far", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Which is more appropriate: "it was extreme" or "it was very extreme"?

While both are understandable, "it was extreme" is generally more concise and effective. Adding "very" can sometimes be redundant, as "extreme" already implies a high degree. However, using "very extreme" can add emphasis if needed.

What's the difference between saying "it was extreme" and "it was an extreme situation"?

Saying ""it was extreme"" directly describes a quality or condition, while "it was an extreme situation" refers to the overall circumstances. The former focuses on the degree of something, and the latter on the nature of the context.