it was genuine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was genuine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is authentic or sincere, often in reference to feelings, actions, or objects. Example: "Her smile was so warm and inviting; it was genuine, and it made everyone feel at ease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was genuine".

The New York Times - Sports

But it was genuine.

The Guardian - Opinion

I felt it was genuine".

The New York Times

Perhaps it was genuine integrity.

The New York Times

"It was genuine," Hills says.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Woolford, not surprisingly, insists it was genuine.

The Guardian - Travel

"I think it was genuine," he said.

The New Yorker

I am convinced it was genuine, vintage Wilson.

The Guardian

And it was genuine -- you can tell with these things".

The New York Times

"It was genuine; they got on our level and wanted to talk to us".

The New York Times

He says it was from an AA Flight attendant with the assurance that it was genuine.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was genuine" to describe feelings, emotions, or reactions to emphasize their sincerity and lack of pretense. For example, "Her surprise was palpable; it was genuine."

Common error

While "it was genuine" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "authentic" or "sincere" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was genuine" functions as a descriptive expression. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and used to affirm the authenticity or sincerity of something. Examples include describing a smile or apology as real and not feigned.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was genuine" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express the authenticity or sincerity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and indicates that it is frequently employed across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media. While versatile, users should consider slightly more formal alternatives like "authentic" or "sincere" in academic or professional settings to enhance the sophistication of their writing. The phrase serves to assure the audience of the realness of a feeling, action, or object.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was authentic

Replaces "genuine" with "authentic", emphasizing the realness and originality of something.

it was sincere

Focuses on the honesty and lack of pretense in a feeling or action.

it was real

Highlights the truthfulness and actuality of something, in contrast to being artificial.

it was truthful

Emphasizes the absence of lies or deception.

it was legitimate

Indicates that something conforms to the law or rules, and is therefore genuine.

it was bona fide

A more formal way of saying "genuine", often used in legal or official contexts.

it was the real deal

An informal way to emphasize that something is truly genuine and not a fake.

it was unfeigned

Implies that something is not pretended or artificial, but genuinely felt or expressed.

it rang true

Suggests that something seemed genuine and believable.

it was heartfelt

Highlights the depth and sincerity of a feeling or expression.

FAQs

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

Use "it was genuine" to convey that something is authentic or sincere. For example, "The applause wasn't just polite; "it was genuine" and heartfelt."

What phrases are similar to "it was genuine"?

You can use alternatives like "it was authentic", "it was sincere", or "it was real" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was genuine" formal or informal?

"It was genuine" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "it was genuine" and "it was authentic"?

While similar, "genuine" often refers to the sincerity of feelings or actions, whereas "it was authentic" more commonly applies to objects or documents to indicate they are not fake. However, they are often interchangeable.