it was prosperous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was prosperous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a time or situation that was financially successful or thriving. Example: "During the 1990s, the economy was booming, and it was prosperous for many businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Fundamentally, however, it was prosperous, cohesive, and already a leading European and imperial power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her grandmother lived in Braddock when it was prosperous, thanks to steel mills.

The New York Times - Arts

It was prosperous as a Muslim trade centre in the European Middle Ages.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The island was an obvious haven since it was prosperous and long favored by merchant Jews from all over the Mediterranean.

The New York Times - Arts

Though a dictatorship, it was prosperous for many, at least according to Middle East standards.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It is prosperous and exceptionally uncorrupt.

The New York Times

Texas was chosen because it is prosperous but still has a significant budget deficit.

The New York Times

This is what a healthy city sees when it's prosperous.

The New York Times

Most of the region is anchored in NATO and the European Union; it is prosperous, stable, democratic and secure.

The Economist

"Gaziantep is a workaday city, not a cosmopolitan place, even though it's prosperous," a young employee of an American contractor based there told me.

The New Yorker

It is prosperous because of the way it respects freedom, individualism and women's rights and the way it nurtures creativity and experimentation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a historical period or a specific location, use "it was prosperous" to indicate economic well-being and success. For example, "During the Victorian era, it was prosperous for many industries".

Common error

Avoid using "it is prosperous" when referring to a past condition; ensure the tense aligns with the time frame being described. Use "it was prosperous" for past events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was prosperous" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that something experienced financial success or favorable conditions in the past. As Ludwig confirms, it's a grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

26%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Travel

4%

Books

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was prosperous" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe past economic success and favorable conditions. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity and provides various examples from reputable sources. The phrase is suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts, particularly in news media and historical accounts. Remember to use it accurately by ensuring the correct tense and avoiding common errors like using present tense when referring to the past. Consider alternatives like "it was thriving" or "it was flourishing" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was flourishing

Emphasizes growth and vitality in addition to financial success.

it was thriving

Focuses on vigorous growth and successful development.

it was prospering

Highlights the process of becoming successful over time.

it was wealthy

Indicates an abundance of riches and material possessions.

it was affluent

Suggests a high standard of living and financial comfort.

it was booming

Emphasizes a period of rapid economic expansion and success.

it was doing well

A more general way of saying things were going successfully.

it saw economic growth

Focuses on the economic aspect of the success.

it enjoyed a golden age

Suggests a period of great cultural and economic achievement.

it had a high standard of living

Highlights the quality of life resulting from the prosperity.

FAQs

What does "it was prosperous" mean?

The phrase "it was prosperous" means that something, such as a country, city, or business, experienced a period of economic success, wealth, and flourishing conditions.

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

You can use alternatives like "it was thriving", "it was flourishing", or "it was wealthy" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it is prosperous" when talking about the past?

No, it is not correct. Use "it was prosperous" to refer to a past period of prosperity. "It is prosperous" should be used for current conditions.

What is the difference between "it was prosperous" and "it became prosperous"?

"It was prosperous" describes a state of being at a particular time, whereas "it became prosperous" describes the process of achieving that state.