it was foul

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was foul" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is unpleasant, offensive, or morally wrong, often in reference to a situation, behavior, or smell. Example: "The food left out for days had gone bad; it was foul and unappetizing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

It was foul.

The New Yorker

Unless, of course, it was Foul Mouth.

The New York Times

I guess it was foul.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think it was foul play".

The New York Times

It just worked out for me that it was foul.

The New York Times - Sports

It was foul; it tasted like a drug store.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

It was foul-mouthed, scatological and sexually sophisticated - a lot like the conventional HBO product of that period - and Fox liked it enough to film it uncut, then "bleep" it for transmission.

The Guardian - Film

It's foul, no foul.

The Guardian - Sport

The job is as simple as it is foul.

The New Yorker

Rolen hits a long long flyball but it's foul and it's caught in leftfield.

The Guardian - Sport

"But we've had it tested a few times and it's foul water so it's sewage.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was foul" to express strong disapproval or disgust, especially when describing something morally objectionable or physically unpleasant. Consider the audience and context to ensure the intensity of the phrase is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "it was foul" in highly formal or professional settings where more neutral or sophisticated language is expected. Opt for alternatives like "it was inappropriate" or "it was unacceptable" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was foul" functions as a declarative statement expressing a subjective judgment. According to Ludwig AI, it describes something as unpleasant, offensive, or morally wrong. Examples in Ludwig show varied uses from describing taste to unethical actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was foul" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey strong disapproval or disgust. According to Ludwig AI, it describes something unpleasant, offensive, or morally wrong. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts, as highlighted by its prevalence in news and media. For more formal settings, consider milder alternatives like "it was inappropriate". Remember to use this phrase judiciously to effectively communicate your sentiment without being overly harsh. The semantic range makes it useful in different contexts, but the negative connotations must be carefully considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was disgusting

Replaces "foul" with a more common synonym, emphasizing revulsion.

it was rotten

Similar to "foul", but often used for decaying organic matter or morally bankrupt situations.

it was offensive

Shifts the focus to the upsetting or insulting nature of something.

it was despicable

Implies contempt and disgust for something.

it was unpleasant

A more general term for something disagreeable or undesirable.

it was atrocious

Highlights the extreme horribleness or wickedness of something.

it was morally wrong

Highlights the ethical implications of an action or situation.

it was reprehensible

Indicates strong disapproval and condemnation.

it was unfair

Emphasizes the lack of justice or equity in a situation.

it was corrupt

Focuses on dishonesty and abuse of power.

FAQs

What does "it was foul" mean?

The phrase "it was foul" means that something was extremely unpleasant, offensive, or morally wrong. It conveys a strong sense of disgust or disapproval.

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

You can use alternatives like "it was disgusting", "it was offensive", or "it was unpleasant" depending on the context.

Is "it was foul" appropriate in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was foul" might be too informal or strong for certain formal contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "it was inappropriate" or "it was unacceptable".

When is it best to use the phrase "it was foul"?

Use "it was foul" when you want to express a strong negative reaction to something you find morally reprehensible or physically disgusting. The intensity of the phrase makes it suitable for situations where a mild expression wouldn't suffice.