it was really something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was really something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that an experience or event was impressive, surprising, or noteworthy. Example: "The concert last night? It was really something; I've never seen such an energetic performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"It was really something".

The New York Times

It was really something to watch".

The New York Times - Sports

"For me, it was really something bizarre," Robert said.

The New Yorker

"For me to cross, it was really something," she said.

The New Yorker

"I don't know why they did it, but it was really something I would never do.

The Guardian

"It was really something," said national guardsman Chris Ealy, who shook Trump's hand.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

It's really something.

The New York Times - Arts

It's really something special".

The New York Times

"It's really something I find rewarding".

The New York Times

It is really something to see.

The New York Times - Arts

It's really something new for us.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was really something" to express genuine surprise or admiration when describing an experience or event. It is particularly effective in conversational contexts to convey a sense of personal impact.

Common error

Avoid using "it was really something" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and descriptive language to convey the specific qualities that made the event noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "it was really something" is to serve as a subjective comment or evaluation about a prior event, experience, or observation. Ludwig examples show it expressing surprise or admiration, aligning with the AI's assessment that it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was really something" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express surprise, admiration, or significance regarding an event or experience. Ludwig's examples, and the AI assessment, confirm its validity and common usage in news and media. While versatile, it's best suited for informal settings, with alternatives like "it was truly remarkable" offering a more precise tone for formal writing. Remember to use it thoughtfully to convey genuine sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was truly remarkable

Replaces "really" with "truly" and "something" with "remarkable" to emphasize the exceptional nature of the event or experience.

it was genuinely impressive

Highlights the speaker's sincere admiration for the event or experience.

it was quite extraordinary

Uses "extraordinary" to denote that the event or experience was beyond the ordinary.

it was quite an experience

Focuses on the experiential aspect, highlighting that the event was memorable and impactful.

it was surprisingly delightful

Adds a sense of unexpected pleasure or enjoyment to the experience.

it was an unforgettable occasion

Stresses the memorability and uniqueness of the event.

it was remarkably unique

Emphasizes the distinct and unparalleled nature of the experience.

it exceeded all expectations

Indicates that the event or experience surpassed the speaker's initial anticipation.

it left a lasting impression

Emphasizes the enduring impact of the event or experience on the speaker.

it was a sight to behold

Highlights the visual impressiveness and spectacle of the event.

FAQs

What does "it was really something" mean?

The phrase "it was really something" is used to express that an event, experience, or object was particularly impressive, surprising, or noteworthy. It often conveys a sense of personal impact or admiration.

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

You can use the phrase to describe a past event or experience that had a significant effect on you. For example, "The concert last night? "It was really something"; I've never seen such an energetic performance."

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

You can use alternatives like "it was truly remarkable", "it was quite an experience", or "it left a lasting impression" depending on the context.

Is "it was really something" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was really something" is generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using more descriptive and precise language to convey the specific qualities that made the event noteworthy.