it was normal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was normal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or condition that is typical or expected. Example: "After the initial chaos of the event, everything settled down, and it was normal again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Before, it was normal.

The Guardian - Sport

"But it was normal.

The Guardian

It was normal for us".

The New York Times

It was normal [in negotiations].

The Guardian - Sport

I thought it was normal.

The Guardian

We thought it was normal".

The New York Times - Arts

To me, it was normal.

The Guardian

But for me it was normal".

The New York Times

"I always thought it was normal".

The New York Times

It was normal, which was extraordinary.

The New Yorker

"Because it was normal," she said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was normal" to describe past situations or behaviors that were considered typical or acceptable in a specific context. For example: "Back then, it was normal to leave your door unlocked."

Common error

Avoid using "it was normal" to justify behaviors or practices that are now considered unethical or harmful. Acknowledge the change in societal standards when discussing past norms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was normal" functions as a subject complement, providing a description of a past state or situation. It typically follows a linking verb (was) and describes what "it" was like. Ludwig's examples show how the phrase is used to normalize past events or behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was normal" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe past situations considered typical. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to provide context, indicating that a particular behavior or practice was expected within a specific timeframe. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase carries a neutral register and can be used to explain historical events or shifting societal norms. While useful for describing past realities, it's important to be mindful of the context and avoid using it to justify practices that are now considered unethical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was typical

Replaces "normal" with "typical", emphasizing the commonness of the situation.

it was usual

Uses "usual" instead of "normal", suggesting that something was expected or customary.

it was ordinary

Substitutes "normal" with "ordinary", highlighting the lack of anything exceptional.

it was common

Replaces "normal" with "common", focusing on the frequency of the occurrence.

it was the norm

Expresses that something aligned with established standards or practices.

it was to be expected

Indicates that a particular outcome or event was anticipated.

it was standard practice

Implies that something was a customary or established method.

it was commonplace

Suggests that something was frequently encountered or observed.

it was the way things were

Indicates that a situation was characteristic of a particular time or context.

that's how it was

Offers a simple, direct way of stating that a situation was typical or normal.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was normal" to describe situations or behaviors that were typical or expected in a specific context. For example, "It was normal for children to play outside unsupervised in those days".

What phrases are similar to "it was normal"?

Similar phrases include "it was typical", "it was usual", or "it was common", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it was normal"?

It's appropriate to use "it was normal" when discussing past practices or situations that were considered acceptable or typical at the time, even if they are no longer so.

What's the difference between "it was normal" and "it is normal"?

"It was normal" refers to a past situation, while "it is normal" refers to a present situation. For example, "It was normal to smoke indoors back then, but now "it is not acceptable"".