it was mutual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was mutual" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate a shared feeling or understanding between two people. For example: "When we decided to break up, it was mutual; we both knew it was what was best for us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"It was mutual," Spoelstra said.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps it was mutual.

The Guardian - Sport

I think it was mutual.

The New York Times - Sports

It was mutual instant attraction, although neither knew it was mutual.

The New York Times - Style

It was "mutual and amicable" according to 360's Evelyn O'Neill.

Independent

"It was mutual," Terry Ryan, the Twins' interim general manager, said of the decision.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

It's mutual.

The Guardian - Books

I think it's mutual.

The New York Times - Sports

(It's mutual, of course).

The New York Times - Magazine

Whenever this happens, it's mutual.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's mutual assured destruction".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was mutual" to clearly convey a shared feeling, decision, or action between two or more parties, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was mutual" when the action or feeling only applies to one party; ensure the context clearly indicates a shared experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was mutual" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the nature of a preceding action, feeling, or decision as shared or reciprocated. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use, reflecting its effectiveness in conveying shared experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was mutual" is a correct and commonly used expression to indicate shared feelings, decisions, or actions between parties. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical validity and widespread use across diverse contexts. Its neutral register makes it versatile for both formal and informal communication. While "it was mutual" effectively communicates reciprocity, alternative phrases such as "it was reciprocal" or "both parties agreed" can add nuance depending on the specific context. Remember to use this phrase when describing scenarios where feelings or decisions are genuinely shared to maintain clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was reciprocal

Emphasizes the back-and-forth nature of the feeling or action.

it was a shared sentiment

Highlights the common feeling or emotion experienced by both.

each felt the same way

Stresses the identical feelings or opinions held by both individuals.

it was a two-way street

Highlights the equal contribution and participation from both sides.

it was a joint decision

Focuses on the collaborative aspect of making a choice.

both parties agreed

Focuses on the agreement aspect of the situation.

they were in accord

Indicates a state of agreement or harmony between the parties involved.

both sides concurred

Emphasizes the formal agreement or alignment of opinions.

there was a consensus

Stresses the collective agreement or harmony in opinion.

it was a collaborative effort

Highlights the cooperative nature of the action or process.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was mutual" to describe a shared feeling, decision, or understanding. For example, "The decision to end the partnership "it was mutual"; both companies recognized the changing market conditions."

What can I say instead of "it was mutual"?

Alternatives include "it was reciprocal", "both parties agreed", or "it was a shared sentiment", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the feeling was mutual"?

Yes, "the feeling was mutual" is a correct and commonly used variation of ""it was mutual"". Both phrases effectively convey that a sentiment is shared between two or more parties.

What's the difference between "it was mutual" and "it was bilateral"?

"It was mutual" generally refers to shared feelings or decisions, while "it was bilateral" typically describes agreements or relations between two parties, particularly in a formal context.