it was march

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was March" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a specific time in the past, referring to the month of March. Example: "It was March when we first met at the conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It was March and raining.

Independent

It was March 2000.

The New York Times

It was March, not May.

The New York Times

It was March in New York & she felt cold.

The New Yorker

It was March 9th, Ornette Coleman's seventy-eighth birthday.

The New Yorker

It was March, and she was in her bathing suit.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It was March 1978, not October.

The New York Times

It was March 2012, not last March.

The New York Times

It was March 27.

The New York Times

It was March 22.

The New York Times

It was March 31 , 1918 Easterr Sunday.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When starting a narrative or providing context, using "it was March" helps to set the scene and provide a temporal anchor for your readers. It's a clear and concise way to introduce the time frame of your story or event.

Common error

Avoid using "it was March" without a clear reference point. Ensure the reader understands which March you're referring to, especially in contexts spanning multiple years. Add a year for clarity if necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was March" primarily functions as a temporal marker, setting the scene or providing context by specifying the month in which an event occurred. Ludwig examples confirm its use in introducing narratives and providing background information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was March" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a temporal setting, primarily used in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure clarity by providing sufficient context, particularly the year, to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "the month was March" or "it happened in March" can offer subtle variations in emphasis. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "it was March" to establish a clear and engaging backdrop for your narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the month was march

Changes the sentence structure while maintaining the same core meaning.

the time was march

Emphasizes the point in time as being March.

that march

Uses a demonstrative adjective to specify a particular March.

march arrived

Focuses on the arrival of the month rather than a specific occurrence within it.

march of that year

Adds specificity by indicating a particular year.

march had arrived

Emphasizes the completion of March's arrival.

it happened in march

Shifts the focus to an event occurring during March.

during march

Specifies a period of time within the month of March.

the calendar read march

Focuses on the calendar indicating the month.

march marked the occasion

Highlights March as a significant marker in time.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it was March" is used to set a specific time frame, indicating that an event occurred during the month of March. For instance, "It was March when the snow finally began to melt."

What are some alternatives to "it was March"?

Alternatives include "The month was March", "It happened in March", or "During March". Each subtly shifts the emphasis while retaining the core meaning.

Is it ever incorrect to use "it was March"?

While grammatically correct, "it was March" can be vague if the context doesn't provide a clear year. Always ensure clarity by adding a year if needed: "It was March 2020."

What's the difference between saying "it was March" and "in March"?

"It was March" functions as a sentence starter, emphasizing the month itself. "In March" is a prepositional phrase that fits within a larger sentence, often emphasizing the event that occurred. For example, "It was March when we met" versus "We met "in March"".