it was heightened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was heightened" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an increase in intensity, emotion, or significance in a particular context. Example: "The tension in the room was palpable, and it was heightened by the unexpected announcement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Instead it was heightened security precautions that became part of life.

Independent

But I think that feeling so vulnerable – I realise this makes me sound pathetic, but that's how it was – heightened my responses to otherwise unremarkable things.

The Guardian - Music

The controversy around it was heightened when a report into the disaster by Lord Cullen judged that the operator Occidental Petroleum had used inadequate maintenance and safety procedures.

The Guardian - Business

It was heightened at midweek, when President Andres Pastrana ordered the army to start withdrawing from a large area in the south, to facilitate talks with the larger Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

The Economist

And it was heightened by the purchase of air time in New York, California and Ohio by the clean-air group, which Mr. McCain's campaign said was a "shadow organization" operating with the approval of Mr. Bush's campaign.

The New York Times

It was heightened by ex-England rugby captain Matt Dawson, who told how his two-year-old son, Sam, battled and survived meningitis C - for which there is a successful vaccine that has brought the numbers of cases down dramatically.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Richardson praised the heightened reality in the work: "Or at least we hope it is heightened because God help us if it's not".

The Guardian - Books

It's heightened reality".

The New York Times - Arts

As the seasons tick by, it's heightened by the realisation that they too are finite.

The Guardian - Sport

It is heightened in 2009 because any or all of the three are candidates to drop.

The New York Times - Sports

Or has it been heightened, colored, warped -- perhaps even manufactured -- by her restless imagination?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was heightened" to indicate a noticeable increase in intensity, emotion, or significance, ensuring the context clearly defines what 'it' refers to. For instance, "The tension in the room was palpable, and "it was heightened" by the unexpected announcement".

Common error

Avoid using "it was heightened" without a clear antecedent for "it". Ensure the subject being intensified is explicitly stated or easily inferred from the surrounding text to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was heightened" functions as a passive construction indicating that something experienced an increase in intensity, degree, or level. Ludwig AI shows this in examples where emotions, situations, or physical attributes are described as intensified.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was heightened" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an increase in the intensity or degree of something. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across diverse contexts, primarily within news, media, and scientific domains. While generally neutral, attention to surrounding vocabulary can optimize its appropriateness for varied registers. When using the phrase, ensure 'it' has a clear reference and the surrounding context is well defined to prevent misunderstanding. Related phrases such as ""it was intensified"" or ""it was amplified"" can be used as alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was intensified

Focuses on the degree of intensity that was reached.

it was amplified

Implies an increase in magnitude or effect.

it was augmented

Suggests that something was added to increase the original effect.

it was magnified

Emphasizes the increase in size or importance.

it was exacerbated

Indicates a worsening or aggravation of a situation.

it was escalated

Suggests a climb in intensity or seriousness.

it was elevated

Conveys a sense of being raised to a higher level.

it was increased

Directly states that a quantity or level became greater.

it was enhanced

Focuses on the improvement or quality that was achieved.

it was strengthened

Emphasizes the act of making something more robust or powerful.

FAQs

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

Use "it was heightened" to describe how a particular feeling, situation, or attribute has been intensified. For example, "The anticipation was already high, but "it was heightened" by the last-minute announcement".

What are some alternatives to using "it was heightened"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it was intensified", "it was amplified", or "it was enhanced". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it was heightened" formal or informal?

"It was heightened" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice for a variety of writing situations. The formality often depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the piece.

What does "it" refer to when using the phrase "it was heightened"?

The pronoun "it" should refer to a specific subject already mentioned in the context. For instance, if discussing anxiety, you could say, "The general anxiety was already present, but "it was heightened" by the storm warnings".