it was instructive

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was instructive" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that a certain experience was informative or provided useful knowledge or information. For example: "Our discussion on international trade was instructive; I learned a lot about the current economic trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nonetheless, it was instructive.

The New Yorker

It was instructive without ever appearing intrusive.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And I find it was instructive to do other stuff.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was instructive that Murdoch chose to praise a polished, deeply authoritarian police state.

The New York Times

It was instructive to watch her, invariably dressed to show a lovely décolletage, working the room.

The New Yorker

It was instructive, after Hurricane Sandy, to see where relief hubs sprang up.

The New York Times - Arts

Worm's intention was as aesthetic as it was instructive, reflecting a catholic, Renaissance sensibility.

The Guardian - Arts

It was instructive to be exposed in this way, if only to myself.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was instructive to see the different layers of his music physically separated among the different instruments.

The New York Times - Arts

It was instructive to compare it to Le Cercle de l'Harmonie, another early-music ensemble, formed in 2005.

The New York Times - Arts

It was instructive that Stuart Broad hoped for "slow seamers" this summer, an odd request for an opening bowler.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was instructive" when you want to highlight that an event, observation, or piece of information provided valuable insight or learning. Ensure the context clearly indicates what was learned or the lesson that was gained.

Common error

Avoid using "it was instructive" without specifying what was learned or the specific lesson derived from the experience. Always provide context to ensure the phrase's relevance and impact. For instance, instead of saying "The meeting was instructive", specify what made it so: "The meeting was instructive, particularly regarding the new marketing strategies".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was instructive" functions as a commentary or evaluation on a past event, experience, or piece of information. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase indicates that the subject offered valuable knowledge or insight. Examples show its usage in varied contexts, like assessing a debate or observing a performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was instructive" is a versatile phrase used to express that something provided valuable insights or learning experiences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in both news and academic contexts. To use it effectively, always ensure that you provide context about what was learned. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's essential to avoid using it vaguely; specify the instructive element for clarity. Related phrases include "it offered valuable insights" and "it proved to be enlightening", offering slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it offered valuable insights

This alternative focuses on the 'insights' gained, emphasizing the value of the information provided rather than the act of instruction.

it proved to be enlightening

Similar to 'instructive', but emphasizes the feeling of gaining knowledge and understanding.

it provided a learning experience

This focuses on the experience aspect, highlighting that something was learned from the event or situation.

it gave me a better understanding

This alternative is more personal, focusing on the speaker's increased comprehension.

it shed light on the matter

This alternative suggests clarification and revelation, emphasizing the removal of obscurity.

it was an educational opportunity

Emphasizes the broader learning potential and the chance to gain knowledge.

it served as a lesson

This focuses on the learning aspect, often implying that something was learned from a mistake or challenge.

it was a source of knowledge

This highlights the role of the experience as a provider of information and understanding.

it was an eye-opener

This phrase is more informal and emphasizes the surprising or revelatory nature of the experience.

it clarified the situation

This suggests that the event or information made something previously unclear, now understandable.

FAQs

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

Use "it was instructive" to describe an event or situation from which you learned something valuable. For example, "Attending the conference "it was instructive" as I gained insights into the latest industry trends."

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

You can use alternatives like "it offered valuable insights", "it provided a learning experience", or "it proved to be enlightening", depending on the context.

Is "it was instructive" formal or informal?

"It was instructive" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase. It's suitable for professional and academic contexts, but may sound a bit stiff in very casual conversation.

What's the difference between "it was instructive" and "it was interesting"?

"It was instructive" implies that you learned something useful or gained insight, while "it was interesting" simply means you found it engaging or curious. The former focuses on knowledge gained, and the latter on general engagement.