it was is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was is" is not correct and usable in written English.
It appears to be a grammatical error, as "was" and "is" cannot be used together in this way. Example: "It was is a mistake to assume that."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Pound's musical creativity, such as it was, is inseparable from that milieu and its extravagant enthusiasms.

The New Yorker

How big it was is debatable.

The Guardian

It was – is – as good as dead.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What it was is easy enough to describe.

Independent

Lehmann's argument, such as it was, is easily dismantled.

The Guardian - Sport

It was — is — the voice in your own head".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

"To be frank about it, it was - is - a small budget British film that faced struggles in its making.

The Guardian

It was—is a very fine laboratory.

Science Magazine

It was—is like the world's most luxurious blanket.

Vice

I have no idea what it's about, other than that it was/is a big adventure game.

TechCrunch

However good/bad it was/is, we found out last month that it's coming back.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you intend to convey that something existed in the past and continues to exist, clearly articulate both states using phrases like "it was, and still is" or "it has been and remains".

Common error

Avoid using "it was is" directly. This construction is grammatically incorrect. Instead, rephrase to accurately reflect whether you're referring to a past state, a present state, or a transition between them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was is" often appears as a grammatical error, combining past and present tenses incorrectly. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts where clarification is needed. The examples show usage as part of a longer construction that often tries to link a past state to a current reality or perception.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was is" presents a unique challenge in English grammar. Ludwig AI confirms that it's generally considered incorrect due to its combination of past and present tenses without proper conjunction. However, Ludwig examples reveal it appears across various sources, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki, indicating a frequent albeit flawed usage. When intending to connect past and present states, it's best to use phrases like "it was and is" or "what it was is" for clarity and grammatical correctness. The most authoritative sources often edit or avoid this construction, highlighting the importance of careful phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what it was is

Emphasizes the description or explanation of what something used to be.

it was, and it still is

Affirms both the past and continuing existence of something.

it was and is

Expresses that something existed in the past and continues to exist now.

it was what it is

Indicates that the past state influenced the present condition.

the way it was is

Focuses on the manner or condition of something in the past and its relevance now.

as it was, so it is

Highlights the continuity between a past state and the current state.

it was

Omits the second "is", resulting in a grammatically correct past tense statement.

it is

Omits the word "was", resulting in a grammatically correct present tense statement.

it has been

Uses the present perfect tense to describe something that started in the past and continues to the present.

it used to be

Describes something that existed in the past but no longer exists.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "it was" and "is" in the same sentence?

To correctly use "it was" and "is" in the same sentence, ensure each refers to a distinct time frame or aspect. For example, "it was and is" shows something that began in the past and continues now. Alternatively, you might say, "What "it was is" easy enough to describe."

How can I express that something existed in the past and continues to exist now?

You can express that something existed in the past and continues to the present by saying "it was, and it still is" or "it was, is and will continue to be". These phrases indicate continuity.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "it was is"?

Alternatives to "it was is" depend on the intended meaning. If referring to a past state, use "it was". If referring to the present, use "it is". To indicate both, use "it was and is".

Is "it was is" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "it was is" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It combines past and present tense forms without a clear conjunction or distinction. To correct it, choose the appropriate tense or combine them thoughtfully, such as "it was and is".