it was knockout

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was knockout" is not standard in written English and may be considered informal or colloquial.
You can use it to describe something that was exceptionally impressive or outstanding, often in a casual context. Example: "The performance last night was knockout; the audience was completely captivated."

News & Media

Music

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I've been a few times on holiday, but until last night I'd never stepped foot in a nightclub and I thought it was knockout".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is knockout time at the 2014 Fifa World Cup.

BBC

It's knockout rugby and we're playing against a high-quality team.

The Guardian - Sport

"But it's knockout cricket and that will be the test for the young fellows in our team.

The Guardian - Sport

It's knockout rugby for us, if not for them, so there can be no shutting up shop".

Independent

"When you come up against France you come up against a very good team from one to 15. "We know it is knockout rugby now.

Independent

"It's knockout rugby.

BBC

"It is knockout football, even though it is the group stage," admitted Hodgson.

BBC

When you get through your group, then it's knockout football and that's where you want to be".

BBC

If he's somehow able to win all three of these states, it will really be knockout blow.

The New Yorker

However, if both of the genes are knockout, it will result in a nonpurple phenotype.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a formal audience or academic paper, opt for more precise and sophisticated language such as "exceptional", "remarkable", or "outstanding" for clarity.

Common error

While effective in casual conversation, overuse of "it was knockout" in formal writing can diminish your authority. Instead, choose stronger, more specific vocabulary to suit the tone and elevate your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was knockout" primarily functions as a subjective assessment, expressing strong approval or admiration. It typically concludes a statement, providing a summary judgment of something's quality or impact, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Music

20%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was knockout" serves as an informal, expressive way to convey strong approval. While grammatically acceptable, as validated by Ludwig AI, it's better suited for casual settings and direct quotes than for formal writing. Alternatives like "it was stunning" or "it was exceptional" can provide a more sophisticated tone for formal communication. The phrase is commonly found in news, media, music and sports contexts. This phrase is considered acceptable even if not standard in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was stunning

Emphasizes visual appeal or beauty, rather than overall effectiveness or impact.

it was extraordinary

Highlights that something was beyond the ordinary or exceptional in some way.

it was remarkable

Focuses on the noteworthiness or unusual nature of the subject.

it was impressive

Highlights the ability of the subject to evoke admiration and respect.

it was magnificent

Suggests a grand or imposing quality, more formal and dramatic.

it was fantastic

Expresses general approval and enthusiasm.

it was superb

Implies a high level of skill or quality.

it was exceptional

Stresses that something is out of the ordinary and better than average.

it was tremendous

Highlights the magnitude or intensity of the subject's impact.

it was first-rate

Indicates top-notch quality or performance.

FAQs

What does "it was knockout" mean?

The phrase "it was knockout" is an informal way of saying that something was extremely impressive, excellent, or outstanding. It's often used to express strong approval or admiration for something.

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

You can use "it was knockout" to describe something that you found particularly impressive or enjoyable. For instance, "The performance last night, "it was knockout"; the audience was captivated."

What are some alternatives to "it was knockout"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "it was stunning", "it was fantastic", or "it was exceptional".

Is "it was knockout" appropriate for formal writing?

While "it was knockout" is perfectly acceptable in casual conversation, it might be too informal for formal writing. In such cases, consider using more professional alternatives like "it was remarkable" or "it was impressive".