it was real

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was real" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to make a statement that emphasizes the truth or reality of something. For example, "When I held the trophy in my hands, it was real—I had actually won."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

It was real rough.

Independent

It was real special".

The New York Times - Sports

It was real disappointing.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was real quality".

The New York Times - Arts

It was real.

The New York Times

But it was real.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"It is real, today".

The New York Times

It's real important".

The New York Times - Sports

It's real science".

The New Yorker

It's real stressful.

The New Yorker

It's real tough".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was real" to emphasize the tangible or authentic nature of an experience, especially when contrasting it with something that might seem unreal or fabricated. For example, "The fear in their eyes was palpable; it was real."

Common error

Avoid using "it was real" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Instead, opt for more precise and descriptive language, such as "the experience was genuine" or "the threat was substantial".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was real" functions as an assertion or affirmation of the truthfulness or authenticity of a situation, experience, or object. Ludwig examples show its usage across various contexts to emphasize the genuineness of something.

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 real" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to affirm the truthfulness or authenticity of something. Ludwig examples indicate its prevalence in news and media contexts, where it serves to emphasize the genuineness of an event or experience. While versatile, it is generally neutral in formality and may require more precise alternatives in academic or professional settings. The Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. Related phrases like "it actually happened" and "it was authentic" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings, providing writers with options to tailor their language to specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was for real

Similar to "it was real", this emphasizes the truthfulness and seriousness of something.

it actually happened

Focuses on the occurrence being factual and not imagined or fabricated.

it was authentic

Highlights the genuine and unadulterated nature of the subject.

it was genuine

Emphasizes the sincerity and truthfulness of the matter.

it was the real deal

A more colloquial way of saying something is authentic and not a substitute.

it was reality

Highlights that something was not a dream or illusion, but an actual event.

it was factual

Stresses that the information or event is based on facts and evidence.

it was no joke

Indicates that something was serious and not to be taken lightly.

it was the truth

Directly asserts the veracity of a statement or situation.

it was not a figment of imagination

This clarifies that something was based on a reality not imagined by someone.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it was real" is often used to emphasize the truth or authenticity of an event or feeling. For instance, you could say, "Despite the special effects, the emotion in the scene "it was real"."

What are some alternatives to "it was real"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it actually happened", "it was authentic", or "it was genuine" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "it was real" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was real" may sound too informal for some formal contexts. In such cases, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "it was substantial" or "it was factual".

What's the difference between "it was real" and "it was the real deal"?

"It was real" emphasizes the truth or genuineness of something, while "it was the real deal" is a more colloquial expression that implies something is authentic and not a fake or imitation.