it was outrageous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was outrageous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express strong disapproval or shock regarding a situation or action that you find unacceptable or extreme. Example: "The way they treated the employees during the layoffs was outrageous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Party president Baroness Brinton said that while she disagreed with UKIP's policies it was "outrageous" that its four million votes only resulted in one MP.

BBC

It was outrageous.

The New York Times

"I think it was outrageous.

Independent

It was outrageous," she said later.

Independent

IT WAS "outrageous, painful and unacceptable".

The Economist

"I thought it was outrageous," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

It was outrageous - yet somehow it worked.

The Guardian - Film

"It was outrageous," Dr. Weinstein said.

The New York Times

This time, here … it was outrageous.

The Guardian

It was outrageous, but that was the 80s.

The Guardian

As for fortune, it was outrageous, and that was the joy of it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the situation. While "it was outrageous" is suitable for expressing strong feelings, ensure the context warrants such a strong reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "it was outrageous" in contexts where the situation is only mildly irritating or inconvenient. Overusing strong language diminishes its impact when genuinely serious issues arise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was outrageous" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a strong negative judgment about a situation, action, or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was outrageous" is a common and direct way to express strong disapproval or shock. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, be mindful of the intensity and appropriateness for the situation at hand. Alternatives like "it was unacceptable" or "it was scandalous" can offer nuances in meaning. While effective, avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Overall, "it was outrageous" serves as a powerful tool for conveying strong negative sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was unacceptable

Replaces "outrageous" with a more general term for not being allowable or tolerated.

it was scandalous

Suggests the action was not only bad but also caused public outrage.

it was appalling

Emphasizes the shocking and horrifying nature of the situation.

it was beyond the pale

Indicates the action exceeded the limits of acceptable behavior.

it was inexcusable

Focuses on the lack of justification or defense for the action.

it was unconscionable

Highlights the action's disregard for moral principles.

it was simply too much

Suggests the action was an extreme overreach.

it was totally wrong

A simpler, more direct way of expressing disapproval.

it was a travesty

Highlights the action as a distorted representation of justice or fairness.

it was a disgrace

Indicates the action brought shame or dishonor.

FAQs

What does "it was outrageous" mean?

The phrase "it was outrageous" expresses strong disapproval or shock about something considered unacceptable or morally wrong.

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

You can use it to react to unfair situations, for example, "It was outrageous that they fired her without warning".

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

You can use alternatives like "it was unacceptable", "it was scandalous", or "it was appalling" depending on the intensity you want to convey.

Is "it was outrageous" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was outrageous" is generally considered neutral in formality. While it's strong, it can be used in both casual conversation and news reports. However, consider your audience and the specific context.