it was precious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was precious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something was valued or cherished in a particular context, often referring to memories, moments, or items of significance. Example: "The time we spent together during the summer was precious to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He loved luxury, but he never treated anything like it was precious.

The New York Times

"I never cared if it was precious or not as long as I liked it".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Maybe it's precious to me especially because of its relative asceticism.

Huffington Post

It's precious".

The New York Times

It's not – it's precious".

Independent

For me, it is precious.

The New York Times - Magazine

We all agree it's precious.

The Guardian

CARMEN: I adore my pool; it is precious to me.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is precious, it is irreplaceable and it is vital to the health of British theatre.

The Guardian

It is loaded and it's precious to suggest it's not".

The Guardian - Books

We say love your body, it's precious, adore it, it's not a dustbin".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional weight of "it was precious". Use it when you want to convey a sense of deep appreciation, sentimentality, or value beyond the material.

Common error

Avoid using "it was precious" in everyday situations where a simpler adjective like "nice" or "good" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact when you genuinely want to express something of great value.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "it was precious" is to act as a subject complement, describing the state or quality of 'it'. It typically follows a linking verb ('was') and provides more information about the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was precious" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey the significant value or emotional importance of something. As noted by Ludwig AI, its usage is more common in News and Media, signifying its acceptance in general communication. While context dictates its specific meaning, remembering to be mindful of the phrase's strong emotional connotations will help avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "it held great value" or "it was deeply cherished" for varied expressions. Finally, while "it was precious" is acceptable across many contexts, its high emotional charge is not best-suited for every occasion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was particularly dear

Emphasizes the personal affection and fondness for something.

it was deeply cherished

Focuses on the emotional aspect of treasuring something.

it was greatly treasured

Highlights the act of keeping something safe and regarding it with affection.

it was highly valued

Highlights the act of valuing something by someone.

it was especially prized

Highlights the act of regarding something as particularly valuable or important.

it was incredibly meaningful

Focuses on the deep significance and importance attributed to something.

it held great value

Emphasizes the inherent worth or importance of something.

it was of immense worth

Underscores the significant value, often in a more formal context.

it was a real treasure

Positions something as a valuable or cherished possession.

it was extremely valuable

Stresses the high degree of worth, either monetary or sentimental.

FAQs

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

Use "it was precious" to describe something highly valued or cherished. For example, "The time we spent together was precious" or "That old photograph was precious to her".

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

You can use alternatives like "it held great value", "it was highly valued", or "it was deeply cherished" depending on the context.

Is "it was precious" formal or informal?

"It was precious" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but its emotional weight makes it more common in situations where sentiment is appropriate.

What's the difference between "it was precious" and "it was valuable"?

"It was precious" typically implies sentimental or emotional value, while "it was valuable" usually refers to monetary or practical worth. Something can be both precious and valuable, but the emphasis differs.