it was raw

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was raw" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is uncooked, unprocessed, or in a natural state, often referring to food or emotions. Example: "The fish was so fresh that it was raw, making it perfect for sushi."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Mr. Coners, whose initial review of CD-60 was that it was "raw," had worked on CD-60 to make its sound more even.

The New York Times

It was raw.

The New York Times

"And it was raw.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was raw, but it was streamlined.

The New Yorker

It was raw, angry and technically accomplished.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was raw weather, weather to make a lifeguard tense.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

It was only subversive in the sense that it was raw-edged: the music was like something by a garage band.

The Guardian

It is raw, electric and musical theater at its best.

Huffington Post

It is raw.

The New York Times

"It's raw — raw fish!

The New Yorker

It is raw, compelling viewing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was raw" to describe experiences or emotions that are genuine and unfiltered, conveying authenticity and immediacy. For example, "The performance was captivating because it was raw and honest."

Common error

Avoid using "it was raw" in highly formal or professional writing where a more refined or precise term may be appropriate. Consider alternatives like "unrefined" or "unprocessed" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was raw" functions as a descriptive statement. It typically uses the past tense of the verb 'to be' ('was') to describe a state of being, followed by the adjective 'raw' which signifies something being in its natural or unprocessed condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Lifestyle

9%

Arts

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was raw" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe something in its natural, unfiltered state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. Found predominantly in news and media, lifestyle, and arts contexts, it conveys authenticity and immediacy. When writing, consider the level of formality required, and in some cases, opt for more refined alternatives like "unrefined" or "unprocessed". The phrase effectively emphasizes genuine, intense, and unedited experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was unfiltered

Implies a lack of censorship or editing, similar to something being in its natural, unprocessed state.

it was unrefined

Suggests a lack of sophistication or polish, similar to the "raw" aspect of the original phrase.

it was unpolished

Similar to unrefined, emphasizing the lack of a smooth or perfected quality.

it was in its natural state

Highlights the unaltered, original condition of something, synonymous with "raw".

it was straight from the source

Emphasizes the directness and originality, like something unprocessed.

it was unadulterated

Suggests purity and lack of contamination, akin to something being in its raw form.

it was stark

Highlights the bare, unadorned quality, similar to the lack of embellishment in something "raw".

it was visceral

Focuses on the gut feeling and immediacy of an experience, like the intense sensation of something raw.

it was unedited

Similar to unfiltered, implies a lack of modification or revision.

it was untamed

Suggests a wild, uncontrolled quality, similar to something in its natural, raw state.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was raw" to describe something that is in its natural state, uncooked, or unfiltered. For example, "The emotion in her voice was palpable; "it was raw" and unfiltered."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was raw"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it was "it was unrefined"", "it was "it was uncooked"", or "it was "it was unprocessed"".

Is it appropriate to use "it was raw" in formal writing?

While "it was raw" is grammatically correct, it might be more suitable for informal or creative writing. In formal writing, consider using more precise and refined language to convey your meaning.

What does "it was raw" mean when describing emotions?

When describing emotions, "it was raw" suggests that the emotions were genuine, unfiltered, and intense. It conveys a sense of vulnerability and honesty.