it was impressive

USAGE SUMMARY

"It was impressive" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to describe something as having been impressive or awe-inspiring. For example, "The fireworks display was truly impressive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Technology

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Even then, it was impressive with its ballroom, dramatic domed ceiling and huge glass-roofed conservatory.

The New York Times

Still, the show worked, and it was impressive to see a band transcend its own pretensions.

The New York Times - Arts

It was impressive on stage, and retains much of its charm, humour and pathos on disc.

The Guardian - Music

But it was impressive.

The Guardian

And it was impressive".

The New York Times - Sports

It was impressive.

The New York Times

"It was impressive," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was impressive," Lopez said.

The New York Times - Sports

It was impressive, that round little belly.

The New York Times

It was stately, and it was impressive.

The New York Times

But soon, they decided it was impressive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was impressive" to concisely express admiration or acknowledgment of a positive quality or achievement. Ensure the context is clear and the subject of 'it' is easily understood.

Common error

While acceptable in most contexts, "it was impressive" can sound less impactful in formal or academic writing. Consider using more descriptive alternatives like "the results were remarkable" or "the achievement was noteworthy" for enhanced precision and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was impressive" functions as a declarative statement expressing admiration or acknowledgment of a positive attribute. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is frequently used to provide a positive assessment of something observed or experienced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Sports

16%

Arts

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Books

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was impressive" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to express admiration or approval. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, though versatile enough for various situations. While effective, writers should consider more descriptive alternatives for formal writing to enhance precision. This phrase serves to positively evaluate past events or qualities, conveying a sense of approval or admiration for something noteworthy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was remarkable

Emphasizes the unusual or extraordinary nature of something.

it was outstanding

Suggests something excelled beyond normal standards.

it was striking

Focuses on the noticeable or attention-grabbing quality.

it was exceptional

Highlights that something is beyond the ordinary or typical.

it was admirable

Implies a sense of respect and approval.

it was praiseworthy

Directly expresses that something deserves praise.

it was commendable

Suggests that something is worthy of recognition and approval.

it was noteworthy

Indicates something important enough to be noticed or remembered.

it was imposing

Highlights the grandeur and magnitude of something.

it was magnificent

Conveys a sense of splendor and excellence.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was impressive" to describe anything that you find admirable or noteworthy. For example, "Her dedication to the project was impressive" or "The speed at which he learned the new software was impressive".

What are some alternatives to "it was impressive"?

You can use alternatives like "it was remarkable", "it was outstanding", or "it was exceptional" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was impressive" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "it was impressive" might lack the precision desired in academic contexts. Consider stronger, more descriptive alternatives, such as "the findings were noteworthy" or "the results were significant".

What's the difference between "it was impressive" and "it is impressive"?

"It was impressive" refers to something that happened in the past, while "it is impressive" refers to something that is currently happening or is generally true. For example, "The performance last night was impressive", versus, "It is impressive how quickly she learns new languages".