it was horrendous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was horrendous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was extremely unpleasant or terrible in nature. Example: "The weather during our vacation was so bad that it was horrendous, making it impossible to enjoy any outdoor activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Oh, God, it was horrendous.

The New York Times

(4) It was horrendous!

The Guardian - Music

"It was horrendous", he says.

Independent

"It was horrendous," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It was horrendous," he explained.

The New York Times - Arts

It was horrendous and destructive.

The Guardian

"I thought it was horrendous.

The Guardian - Music

To begin with it was "horrendous.

The Guardian

It was horrendous in terms of numbers.

The New York Times

"It was horrendous being made redundant".

The Guardian - Money

"It was horrendous," he told me.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was horrendous" to describe situations that are exceptionally unpleasant, shocking, or terrible, where a strong negative impact is implied. This phrase is more emphatic than alternatives like "it was bad" or "it was awful".

Common error

Avoid using "it was horrendous" for minor inconveniences or slightly unpleasant situations. The strength of the word 'horrendous' can create hyperbole if the situation doesn't warrant such a strong reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was horrendous" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing a negative assessment of a past event or situation. As demonstrated in the Ludwig examples, it is used to convey that something was extremely unpleasant, shocking, or devastating. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was horrendous" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to express that something was extremely unpleasant or terrible. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While the phrase is generally acceptable, be mindful of the strength of the word "horrendous" and reserve it for situations that truly warrant such a strong negative descriptor. Consider using alternatives like "it was awful" or "it was terrible" for less severe situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was awful

This alternative uses a more common and slightly less intense term to describe something very unpleasant.

it was terrible

This option is a general term for something very bad or unpleasant.

it was dreadful

This phrase indicates something extremely unpleasant or shocking.

it was horrific

This emphasizes the shocking and disturbing nature of the event or situation.

it was appalling

This suggests something outrageous and morally shocking.

it was atrocious

This highlights the extremely wicked or brutal nature of something.

it was ghastly

This implies something shockingly frightful or dreadful.

it was unbearable

This focuses on the inability to tolerate or endure something.

it was excruciating

This emphasizes the extreme pain or difficulty experienced.

it was nightmarish

This suggests a surreal and intensely frightening experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was horrendous" to describe a situation that caused extreme distress or suffering. For example, "The traffic jam was so long, "it was horrendous"."

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

You can use alternatives like "it was awful", "it was terrible", or "it was dreadful" depending on the context.

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

Use "it was horrendous" when you want to emphasize the severity and negative impact of a situation. It's best suited for situations that are significantly worse than merely 'bad' or 'unpleasant'.

Is "it was horrendous" too strong of a phrase to use in professional writing?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the context. In some formal or business settings, a less emotionally charged phrase like "it was unacceptable" or "it was extremely problematic" might be more appropriate.