it was ordinary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was ordinary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is unremarkable or typical in nature. Example: "The meal was nice, but overall, it was ordinary and didn't stand out among the other dishes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

I went to Midland expecting to find an ordinary small city, but nothing about it was ordinary: not its weather or its topography or its history or its economy.

The New Yorker

It was ordinary and its sauce, billed as an old fashioned cocktail sauce, was bland and pale pink.

The New York Times

One commander, who uses the name Abu Hamza, said though it did not look "correct" to see commanders argue so intensely, it was ordinary to a revolution as its ranks and prospects grow.

The New York Times

It was ordinary.

The New York Times

It was ordinary, and eerie.

The New York Times

"I had thought it was ordinary," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

It's ordinary people who need protecting.

The Guardian

It's ordinary folk, it's ordinary families that are paying the financial price.

The Guardian

When it's ordinary, no one gives me any attention.

Independent

That it is ordinary work, just like any other work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We're amazed for ten seconds, then it's ordinary.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was ordinary" to describe situations, objects, or experiences that lack exceptional or remarkable qualities, ensuring the context clearly indicates what is being compared against a standard of normalcy. This phrase is particularly effective when downplaying expectations or contrasting with something extraordinary.

Common error

Avoid using "it was ordinary" when a more specific adjective would provide a richer, more informative description. Instead of simply stating something was "ordinary", consider specifying which aspect was unremarkable (e.g., "the taste was bland", "the performance was uninspired").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was ordinary" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a subject as being typical or unremarkable. Ludwig examples show its use in assessing experiences, objects, or situations, highlighting the absence of exceptional qualities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was ordinary" serves as a straightforward way to describe something as unremarkable or typical. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to consider whether a more specific adjective might provide a richer description. The related phrases offer similar ways to express the idea of commonness, each with subtle differences in tone. Overall, "it was ordinary" is a useful tool for conveying a sense of normalcy or lack of distinction in a variety of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was typical

Replaces "ordinary" with a synonym emphasizing conformity to a common pattern or type.

it was commonplace

Substitutes "ordinary" with a word suggesting that something is frequently encountered or seen.

it was unremarkable

Emphasizes the lack of noteworthy qualities, differing slightly by focusing on the absence of distinction.

it was nothing special

An idiomatic alternative highlighting the absence of exceptional characteristics.

it was run-of-the-mill

Conveys a sense of ordinariness by implying something is standard and unexceptional.

it was average

Focuses on the idea that something is at a medium level and not outstanding.

it was standard

Implies conformity to an established norm or requirement.

it was conventional

Suggests adherence to accepted norms or traditional practices.

it was regular

Highlights the consistency and lack of deviation from the norm.

it was prosaic

Emphasizes the mundane and lacking in poetic or imaginative qualities.

FAQs

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

Use "it was ordinary" to describe something that didn't stand out or was typical. For example, "The movie was enjoyable, but "it was ordinary" and didn't offer anything new."

What are some alternatives to "it was ordinary"?

You can use alternatives like "it was typical", "it was average", or "it was unremarkable" to express a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "it was ordinary" or "it was normal"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of deviation from the expected, ""it was ordinary"" suggests a lack of distinction or special quality, whereas "it was normal" implies conformity to a standard or usual state.

What does it mean when someone says "it was ordinary"?

When someone says ""it was ordinary"", they are indicating that something did not possess any exceptional or noteworthy characteristics; it was common or typical.