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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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it was mental

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was mental" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used informally to describe something that was intense, crazy, or overwhelming, typically in a positive or humorous context. Example: "The concert last night was mental; the energy in the crowd was unbelievable!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

But looking back, "it was mental.

While it is claimed that Lamarck meant that it was mental effort that led to change (the giraffe stretching its neck to feed on treetop leaves so that the next generation inherited a longer neck), it is not clear that this was the only idea that he had in mind - Lamarck's language sometimes lacked the clarity that we expect in scientific writing today.

It was mental conflict.

News & Media

The Economist

It was mental.

News & Media

Independent

It was mental abuse".

No, it was mental health.

News & Media

The Guardian
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"It is mental toughness at its very best.

"It is mental.

It's mental investment.

News & Media

Independent

It's mental; it's epic".

News & Media

Independent

"It's mental and physical.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was mental" to describe experiences that are exceptionally intense, chaotic, or overwhelming, particularly when aiming for an informal or humorous tone.

Common error

Avoid using "it was mental" in formal writing or professional settings, as it is considered informal and may not be appropriate for all audiences. Instead, opt for alternatives like "it was intense" or "it was overwhelming".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.4/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was mental" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a situation or experience as being exceptionally intense or chaotic. As Ludwig AI highlights, the expression is typically used in informal contexts to convey a sense of excitement or disbelief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Sports

17%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was mental" is a common and correct phrase used to describe something intense, chaotic, or overwhelming. As Ludwig AI has shown, the phrase is best suited for informal contexts, such as casual conversations or less formal news reporting. While grammatically sound, it should be avoided in professional or academic settings where more formal language is preferred. Related phrases include "it was insane", "it was wild", and "it was crazy", each offering a slightly different nuance to the description.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was mental" to describe an experience that was intense, chaotic, or overwhelming. For example, "The party last night, "it was mental"!"

What's a more formal way to say "it was mental"?

If you're looking for a more formal alternative, consider phrases like "it was intense", "it was overwhelming", or "it was chaotic" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was mental" appropriate for professional writing?

While "it was mental" is a perfectly valid phrase, it's generally considered informal. For professional writing, it's best to use more formal alternatives such as "it was demanding" or "it was challenging".

What does "it was mental" mean?

"It was mental" is an informal expression used to describe something that was crazy, intense, or overwhelming. It often implies a sense of excitement or disbelief.

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Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.4/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: