it was really distracting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was really distracting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or an element that caused a lack of focus or attention. Example: "During the meeting, the constant noise from outside was really distracting, making it hard to concentrate on the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It was really distracting," she added.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was really distracting," she said, "and I didn't feel it was going to make much difference".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's really distracting.

The New York Times

"If you're cynical," says Pevehouse, "then you think this stuff is dangerous, because it's really distracting Congress from what it should be doing in foreign affairs".

Huffington Post

"She turned round and went – he puts on a grumpy voice – 'It's really distracting.'" Nina laughs.

The Guardian

Now they are talking about the Boston bombing -- and I'm really distracted by the fact that I keep hearing clanking silverware and dishes, for some reason?

Huffington Post

While it may be tempting to watch these beautiful creatures for hours, it can be really distracting to the whales.

Huffington Post

It can be really distracting and make me flustered and unable to focus.

Huffington Post

Unfortunately the puckering is really distracting and it's not Althea's best work.

Huffington Post

I learned that I can be really distracting in groups and that needs to be controlled, but it can also be... like, distraction in itself is not inherently negative.

International Journal of STEM Education

Both these facts suggest that we're near Kennebunkport, Me., home of the Bush compound, which may be meant to add local color but instead is really distracting.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a distracting element, be specific about what made it distracting. Instead of just saying "it was really distracting", explain how it hindered focus or disrupted the flow.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "it was really distracting" without providing context. Readers need to understand the nature of the distraction and its impact to fully grasp the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was really distracting" functions as a descriptive statement, identifying something as disruptive or hindering concentration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, serving to characterize elements that cause lack of focus. Examples show its usage in various contexts, mostly from journalism.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was really distracting" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that hinders focus or attention. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is acceptable in written English. While the phrase is understandable and appropriate in many contexts, particularly in journalism, it is important to provide specific details about what made the subject so disruptive. Alternative phrases like "it made it hard to concentrate" or "it proved highly disruptive" can offer more nuanced descriptions. Although grammatically correct, the phrase is used infrequently in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a major distraction

A more concise version using the noun form of "distraction".

it made it hard to concentrate

Simplifies the phrasing while maintaining the core meaning.

it proved highly disruptive

Replaces "distracting" with a more formal synonym and emphasizes the disruptive effect.

it diverted my attention greatly

Emphasizes the diversion of attention caused by the distraction.

it significantly impaired concentration

Highlights the impact on concentration, suitable for formal contexts.

it severely hindered focus

Similar to impairing concentration, but with a stronger emphasis on obstruction.

it interfered with my train of thought

Highlights the disruption of the thought process.

it was extremely unsettling

Focuses on the unsettling aspect of the distraction, implying a more negative impact.

it completely threw me off

A more informal option emphasizing the disorienting effect.

it grabbed my focus entirely

Indicates a strong, almost irresistible pull of attention.

FAQs

How can I use "it was really distracting" in a sentence?

You can use "it was really distracting" to describe something that made it difficult to focus. For example, "During the meeting, the construction noise outside "it was really distracting", making it hard to concentrate."

What can I say instead of "it was really distracting"?

You can use alternatives like "it made it hard to concentrate", "it proved highly disruptive", or "it was a major distraction" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it was really distracting" or "it was very distracting"?

Both "it was really distracting" and "it was very distracting" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference.

What's the difference between "it was distracting" and "it was really distracting"?

The addition of "really" in "it was really distracting" emphasizes the degree of distraction. It suggests a stronger impact on focus or attention compared to simply saying "it was distracting".