it was illuminating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it was illuminating' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Example: After reading the article, "I found it was illuminating to see the different perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But it was illuminating.

The New York Times - Sports

The answer, to many observers, was much safer than it was illuminating.

The New York Times

Like the best documentaries - like the best films of any kind - it was illuminating.

The Guardian - Film

A week of dedicated dining in Budapest's Hungarian restaurants was as delectable as it was illuminating.

The New York Times - Travel

Though many of these sites were previously known, it was illuminating to click through them as a whole.

The New Yorker

It was illuminating for me to have Oz describe that kind of behavior in his mother as "Slavic romantic melancholy," because it associated it with a cultural tendency.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It was illuminated, as I remember, by one bulb.

The New Yorker

When I got in the van it was a really strange light - like it was illuminated and they were filming".

Independent

The area was "much brighter then," Mark Faurer said, when it was illuminated by an unfathomable number of incandescent bulbs.

The New York Times - Arts

It was illuminated too by fine solo playing from Eriko Sato, violinist; Lutz Rath, cellist (the festival's music director); Diane Lesser, oboist; and Harry Searing, playing bassoon.

The New York Times - Arts

Sponsored by Absolut Vodka, Güiro — which means gourd in English — resembled a space ship from another galaxy when it was illuminated on the beachfront at night.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms such as "it provided clarity" or "it offered insight" to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing.

Common error

While "it was illuminating" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I learned a lot" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was illuminating" typically functions as a comment or observation, highlighting the enlightening nature of a specific experience or information. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical structure and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was illuminating" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe experiences or information that provide clarity and insight. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral to slightly formal register. For those seeking to diversify their writing, alternatives like "it provided clarity" or "it offered insight" can be considered. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in casual settings to maintain a natural tone. The data suggests that the phrase is a reliable choice for conveying enlightenment in a variety of professional and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it provided clarity

This alternative focuses on the result of understanding something more clearly. It emphasizes the removal of confusion.

it shed light on the matter

This alternative uses a metaphorical expression emphasizing the act of revealing something previously hidden or unknown.

it offered insight

This alternative emphasizes the quality of providing a deeper understanding of a complex issue.

it clarified the situation

This alternative highlights the resolution of ambiguity or confusion surrounding a particular situation.

it made things clearer

A more straightforward alternative conveying the idea that something became easier to understand.

it gave a new perspective

This alternative stresses the introduction of a different viewpoint or way of understanding.

it helped me understand

This alternative is more personal focusing on the speaker's improved understanding.

it elucidated the topic

This alternative suggests a formal and thorough explanation making the topic easier to grasp.

it brought understanding

This is a more emphatic alternative which emphasizes that the topic was understood.

it unfolded the meaning

Emphasizes the progressive revelation of the explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was illuminating" to describe an experience or piece of information that provided significant insight. For instance, "After the discussion, "it was illuminating" to see the different perspectives".

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

You can use alternatives like "it provided clarity", "it offered insight", or "it shed light on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was illuminating" formal or informal?

"It was illuminating" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression, suitable for both written and spoken contexts, but avoid overuse in very casual conversations.

What's the difference between "it was illuminating" and "it was illuminated"?

"It was illuminating" means something provided insight or understanding. "It was illuminated" refers to something being lit up or made brighter with light.