it was heavy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was heavy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the weight of an object or the emotional weight of a situation in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "As I lifted the box, I realized it was heavy, making me struggle to carry it across the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was heavy handed.

The Washington Post

It was heavy stuff.

The Times

It was heavy wool.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was heavy with gym-trained muscle.

The New Yorker

She told her boyfriend it was heavy.

The New York Times

"It was heavy and low".

The New York Times

It was heavy competition onstage.

The Guardian - Music

It was heavy bombing in Beirut".

The New Yorker

"It was heavy gunfire from all directions.

The Guardian

It was heavy, and looked real.

The New Yorker

He handed it to me; it was heavy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heavy" to describe an emotion or situation, ensure that the context makes the meaning clear. For instance, clarify whether you mean emotionally burdensome, serious, or intense.

Common error

Avoid using "heavy" repeatedly in close proximity without varying your language. Overuse can make your writing sound monotonous. Try synonyms like "weighty", "substantial", or "burdensome" to add nuance and prevent repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was heavy" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. It attributes the quality of heaviness to a subject, which can be a physical object, an emotional state, or a situation. Ludwig supports this through its examples of varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was heavy" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe either the physical weight of an object or the emotional burden of a situation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider synonyms like "weighty", "burdensome", or "intense" to avoid overuse and to precisely convey the intended meaning. When writing, always provide sufficient context to clarify whether you are referring to literal weight or a figurative burden.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it felt weighty

Focuses on the sensation of heaviness.

it was burdensome

Emphasizes the troublesome aspect of something.

it was substantial

Highlights the considerable size or amount.

it was ponderous

Implies slowness and difficulty due to weight.

it was hefty

Suggests a considerable size or weight.

it was unwieldy

Highlights the difficulty in handling something.

it was intense

Refers to the strength or degree of something, not literal weight.

it was oppressive

Emphasizes the feeling of being weighed down, often emotionally.

it was cumbersome

Suggests something is difficult to handle due to its size or weight.

it was a load

Informal way of saying something was a burden or difficult.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was heavy" to describe the physical weight of an object (e.g., "The box was heavy") or the emotional weight of a situation (e.g., "The news was heavy").

What are some alternatives to "it was heavy"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "it felt weighty", "it was burdensome", or "it was intense".

Is "it was heavy" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was heavy" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure with a subject ("it"), a verb ("was"), and an adjective ("heavy").

When is it appropriate to use "it was heavy"?

Use "it was heavy" when you want to convey that something had a significant weight, either literally or figuratively. Ensure the context clarifies whether you're referring to physical weight or emotional impact.