it was other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was other" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be an attempt to express that something was different or distinct from something else, but it lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. Example: "In the end, it was other than what I expected."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a tradition where the dummy often calls its manipulator "Guv'nor", it was other ventriloquists who used the name for Worsley.

The Guardian

Maybe it was other people!

The Washington Post

"If it was other people grabbing lunch, then it's good".

The New York Times

And so, it wasn't just the Chandrasekhar limit, it was other things.

Yale University

By 2004, it was other Democrats who were doing the gushing.

The New York Times

It was other experts in this field who said that figure was likely an underestimate.

The Guardian

Instead it was other laws of the game that proved unsatisfactory.

The Economist

"Ironically it was other Durham University students who alerted cathedral security staff to the incident.

Independent

Look what happened today: it was other people attacking the Brotherhood".

The New York Times

What I thought of it was: other than me at that moment.

The New Yorker

It was "other people," he said, "sticking their oar in and pulling us apart".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, replace "it was other" with phrases that explicitly state the difference or distinction you intend to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "it was other" when a more precise term can specify what made something different. Replace it with clearer language that highlights the distinguishing feature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was other" typically functions as a linking phrase used to indicate that something was different or distinct from something else. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, it lacks clarity and grammatical correctness in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it was other" is frequently used, particularly in news and media, it is grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity. According to Ludwig AI's analysis, it's advisable to use more precise and descriptive alternatives such as "it was different", "it was something else", or "it involved different" to ensure effective communication. Always aim for specificity to enhance the clarity and grammatical correctness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it indicated distinct

Provides a clear indication of distinction.

it pointed to separate

Indicates direction or focus toward a separation.

it highlighted alternate

Emphasizes a different or alternative aspect.

it suggested separate

Directly indicates a suggestion of separateness.

it involved different

Emphasizes the element of involvement with a focus on difference.

it featured alternate

Focuses on the presentation of an alternate element or component.

it concerned different

Highlights a concern but with a different focus.

it showcased alternate

Focuses on the presentation of different options.

it pertained to different

Formally indicates relevance but switches the object to 'different'.

it implied separate

Highlights the indirect suggestion of separation or distinction.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was other" to improve clarity?

To enhance clarity, replace "it was other" with phrases like "it was different", "it was separate", or "it was distinct", depending on the intended meaning.

Is "it was other" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "it was other" is not considered grammatically correct in formal English. It's better to use more specific and precise alternatives like "it was something else" or "it was a different thing".

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

In formal contexts, replace "it was other" with phrases such as "it involved different" or "it pertained to different" to convey a more professional tone.

Can I use "it was other" in academic writing?

It's advisable to avoid "it was other" in academic writing due to its lack of precision. Instead, opt for clearer, more descriptive alternatives that accurately reflect the intended meaning, such as "it indicated distinct" or "it suggested separate".