it was intimidating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was intimidating" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something or someone that causes fear, nervousness, or discomfort. Example: The dark alleyway was intimidating, with its tall, looming buildings and dimly lit streetlights.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

In addition, such a prominent feature on its back could make it appear even larger than it was, intimidating other animals.

Wikipedia

Forte: It was intimidating.

The New York Times

"It was intimidating".

The New York Times

At first, it was intimidating.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was intimidating in the beginning".

The New York Times

It was intimidating; it felt like homework".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It's intimidating, frankly".

The New Yorker

It's intimidating.

The New York Times

For others it is intimidating.

The New York Times

"It's intimidating me".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Even now, it's intimidating.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was intimidating" to describe situations or individuals that caused a feeling of unease, fear, or nervousness. Ensure the context clearly indicates the source of intimidation.

Common error

Avoid using "it was intimidating" when you actually mean something was simply 'challenging' or 'difficult'. Intimidation implies a sense of fear or unease, not just a need for effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was intimidating" functions as a descriptive expression. It predicates a quality of a previously mentioned subject ('it'), indicating that something caused a feeling of unease, fear, or nervousness. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was intimidating" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used expression to describe something that caused fear, nervousness, or discomfort. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. Analysis of various sources reveals that it primarily appears in News & Media, followed by Academia and Science. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the source of intimidation, and avoid mistaking it for mere challenge. Related phrases include "it felt daunting" and "it seemed overwhelming", offering nuanced alternatives to express similar feelings. The phrase maintains a neutral register and can be effectively used across diverse writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it felt daunting

Changes the verb to 'felt' and uses 'daunting' as a synonym for 'intimidating'.

it was unnerving

Suggests a subtle feeling of anxiety or unease.

it seemed overwhelming

Replaces 'intimidating' with 'overwhelming', suggesting a feeling of being unable to cope.

it was scary

A more direct and less formal way to express a similar feeling.

it appeared menacing

Uses 'menacing' to convey a sense of threat or danger, rather than just unease.

it made me anxious

Focuses on the resulting emotion of anxiety.

it left me apprehensive

Highlights a feeling of worry about the future.

it struck fear

Emphasizes the element of fear more strongly than 'intimidating'.

it filled me with dread

Implies a strong feeling of fear and anticipation of something unpleasant.

it was challenging

A milder alternative, focusing on the difficulty of the situation rather than the emotional impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was intimidating" to describe an experience, person, or situation that caused feelings of fear or unease. For example: "The interview process was intimidating", or "The size of the crowd was intimidating".

What are some alternatives to "it was intimidating"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "it felt daunting", "it seemed overwhelming", or "it was unnerving".

Is it correct to say "it is intimidating" instead of "it was intimidating"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they refer to different time frames. "It is intimidating" describes something that is currently causing intimidation, while "it was intimidating" describes something that caused intimidation in the past.

What's the difference between saying "it was intimidating" and "I was intimidated"?

"It was intimidating" describes the nature of the situation or thing, implying it has the quality of being intimidating. "I was intimidated" describes your personal emotional response to something. For example: "The exam was intimidating" suggests the exam itself was designed to be scary, while "I was intimidated by the exam" means you personally felt scared by the exam.