it was patchy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was patchy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is inconsistent, uneven, or lacking in quality or coverage. Example: "The internet connection during the meeting was frustrating because it was patchy, causing frequent disruptions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It was patchy, hot, sand-dry, crepey.

The Guardian

It was patchy, overpriced, and weighed down by state monopolies.

The New Yorker

It was patchy anyway, but at the moment it's getting worse and the future looks bleak".

The Guardian - Money

"But it was patchy and fitful and sometimes I just didn't have the focus to do it".

The New Yorker

I was out going to the scene and sometimes the visibility was down to 30 or 35 metres, so it was patchy fog.

The Guardian

Where the airboats had made a track, the water was open, but mostly it was patchy — interrupted by clumps of sawgrass and an occasional tree island.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Although its range is relatively large and includes some protected areas, it is patchy and threatened, and the discoverers recommend that the animal be considered "Near Threatened" on the IUCN Red List.

Wikipedia

"It's patchy at best".

The Guardian

Where there is provision, she said, "it is patchy; it depends on the school".

The Guardian

As a pop record it is patchy; as an opera it is badly executed.

The Guardian - Music

Asked where the IT problems were, the spokeswoman said: "It is patchy".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was patchy" when describing something that lacks uniformity or consistency, such as internet connection, service quality, or even emotional states. This phrase effectively conveys that the subject is not consistently good or present.

Common error

While "it was patchy" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise synonyms like "inconsistent" or "uneven" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was patchy" functions as a descriptive statement, typically modifying a noun or situation. It indicates that something lacks uniformity, consistency, or completeness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was patchy" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe something that is inconsistent or uneven. Ludwig AI analysis of examples from reputable sources indicates it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. While acceptable in many situations, more formal alternatives like "inconsistent" or "uneven" may be preferred for academic or professional writing. Understanding the context and audience is key to effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was uneven

Replaces "patchy" with a synonym that emphasizes the lack of uniformity.

it was inconsistent

Focuses on the lack of consistency rather than the physical appearance of patches.

it was spotty

Uses a more informal synonym for "patchy", implying scattered and uneven distribution.

it was irregular

Highlights the lack of regularity or predictability.

it was fragmented

Suggests that something is broken into pieces or incomplete.

it was erratic

Implies unpredictable and unstable behavior or quality.

it was deficient

Focuses on the lack or shortage of something necessary or expected.

it was intermittent

Highlights that something stops and starts at intervals.

it was haphazard

Suggests a lack of planning or organization.

it was piecemeal

Implies that something is done or provided in stages or small portions.

FAQs

What does "it was patchy" mean?

The phrase "it was patchy" means something was inconsistent, uneven, or not fully complete. It suggests that the quality or presence of something varied significantly.

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

You can use alternatives like "it was uneven", "it was inconsistent", or "it was spotty" depending on the context.

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

You can use "it was patchy" to describe something that isn't uniform. For example: "The internet connection during the meeting was frustrating because "it was patchy", causing frequent disruptions."

Is "it was patchy" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was patchy" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use more precise and sophisticated synonyms like "it was uneven" or "it was inconsistent".