it was harrowing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was harrowing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an experience that was extremely distressing or traumatic. Example: "The documentary about the war was so intense that it was harrowing to watch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

A. It was harrowing.

The New York Times

"It was harrowing".

The New York Times

It was harrowing, he said.

The New York Times

It was harrowing, yet steadfast depiction of the effect on family life of severe mental illness.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was harrowing for a moment, but I also think I made a compelling image of the scene.

The New York Times

He hadn't thrown up since he was six, when he had the flu, and it was harrowing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

It's harrowing almost beyond belief.

Independent

It's harrowing, truthful stuff.

The Guardian - Film

Yes, it's harrowing because Helen, James and Aaron are extreme cases, right at the end of that scale.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is harrowing to contemplate the 29 works from the series gathered in one dimly lighted gallery.

The New York Times - Arts

Like the best war films, it is harrowing, starkly realistic and at times excruciatingly vivid in detail.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was harrowing" to describe events or situations that evoke strong feelings of distress, fear, or empathy. Ensure the context clearly warrants such a strong descriptor.

Common error

Avoid using "it was harrowing" for situations that are merely inconvenient or slightly unpleasant. Reserve it for genuinely serious or deeply disturbing experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was harrowing" functions as a declarative statement, expressing a subjective evaluation of a past experience or event. The examples provided by Ludwig show it used to describe various distressing situations, aligning with Ludwig AI indicating its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was harrowing" is a powerful and commonly used expression to describe experiences filled with distress, trauma, or deep emotional disturbance. As Ludwig's analysis shows, the phrase is grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it is best reserved for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong descriptor, as overuse in milder contexts can diminish its impact. Ludwig provides several alternative phrases, such as "it was deeply disturbing" or "it was intensely traumatic", to offer nuanced choices for expressing similar sentiments. Overall, "it was harrowing" is a valuable tool for conveying strong emotions effectively, provided it is used judiciously and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was intensely traumatic

Highlights the psychological damage caused by the experience.

it was extremely distressing

Highlights the acute mental or emotional suffering experienced.

it was a terrible ordeal

Presents the experience as a severe test or challenge.

it was deeply disturbing

Emphasizes the emotional impact and unsettling nature of the experience.

it was profoundly upsetting

Focuses on the emotional distress and sorrow the experience caused.

it was a gut-wrenching experience

Uses a visceral image to convey the intense emotional impact.

it was a nightmare

Replaces "harrowing" with a more common term for a terrible experience.

it was agonizing to witness

Focuses on the pain felt while observing something terrible.

it was utterly dreadful

Conveys a sense of extreme unpleasantness and misfortune.

it was exceptionally trying

Emphasizes the difficulty and strain involved in enduring the experience.

FAQs

What does "it was harrowing" mean?

The phrase "it was harrowing" describes an experience that was extremely distressing, traumatic, or deeply disturbing.

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

Use "it was harrowing" to describe situations that evoke strong feelings of distress, fear, or empathy. Make sure the context warrants such a strong descriptor.

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

You can use alternatives like "it was deeply disturbing", "it was intensely traumatic", or "it was extremely distressing" depending on the context.

Is "it was harrowing" formal or informal?

"It was harrowing" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in journalistic or narrative writing that aims to convey a strong emotional impact.