it was really useful

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'it was really useful' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express when something was helpful or had a practical purpose, for example: "The book our teacher gave us was really useful; I was able to get a good grade on my test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Since the novel uses flashbacks to cut between different plot lines — a narrative structure Chandra likens to a mandala, a series of concentric circles used as an Eastern meditation device — "it was really useful... to be able to see the events arranged on a timeline".

The New York Times - Books

"It was kind of dated, but it was really useful," she said.

The New Yorker

It was really useful to get an overview of the organisation.

The Guardian - Money

It was pretty much as I expected, he says, and it was really useful for the experience and advice.

The Guardian

He grasps situations quickly and is so clear and concise in his thinking about the right thing to do, it was really useful and reassuring.

Independent

"It was really useful to be pushed with night sticks and shields," Mr. Greif said, "because with a certain kind of pale skin and collared shirt, you don't normally get treated like this".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"We know almost nothing about recognition, but it is really useful and really hard, and it helps us make decisions about the world," Dr. Forsyth said.

The New York Times - Science

"Maybe you can use it for a couple of hours, when it's really useful, and then you basically throw it away".

TechCrunch

It is really useful in composition".

The New Yorker

"It's really useful," Radulovic says gently.

The Guardian

Some degree courses have language modules and I think it's really useful.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the usefulness of something, be specific about what made it useful. Instead of just saying "it was really useful", explain the benefits: "It was really useful because it helped me solve the problem quickly."

Common error

While "really" intensifies the adjective, overuse can weaken your writing. Consider stronger synonyms for "useful" or rephrase to emphasize the benefit directly. For example, instead of "it was really useful", try "it proved invaluable" or "it significantly improved our process".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was really useful" functions as a subjective evaluation, expressing that something provided a significant benefit or assistance. It's commonly used to convey a positive assessment of an experience, tool, or resource. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was really useful" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something was helpful or beneficial. It enjoys wide usage across various contexts, from news articles and scientific papers to everyday conversations. According to Ludwig AI, while acceptable in many situations, it's essential to consider the specific context and audience when choosing this phrase. Overusing "really" can diminish its impact, so consider stronger synonyms or more descriptive language for greater clarity and precision. Always be specific about why something was useful to maximize the effectiveness of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was instrumental in achieving success

Indicates the crucial role in reaching a positive result.

it proved highly beneficial

Emphasizes the advantageous outcome or impact.

it was particularly valuable

Stresses the importance and worth of the item or experience.

it was exceptionally practical

Emphasizes the real-world applicability and usability.

it was incredibly advantageous

Stresses the favorable circumstances created.

it was a great asset

Indicates the value and contribution to a positive outcome.

it turned out to be very helpful

Highlights the unexpected or eventual assistance provided.

it offered significant assistance

Highlights the support and aid provided.

it was quite effective

Highlights the efficiency and success in achieving a goal.

it served its purpose well

Focuses on the successful fulfillment of a specific function.

FAQs

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

Use "it was really useful" to express that something provided significant help or benefit. For example, "The workshop "it was really useful" in clarifying the new regulations."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was really useful"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it proved highly beneficial", "it was invaluable", or "it was very helpful".

Is it better to say "it was useful" or "it was really useful"?

"It was useful" is generally acceptable, but "it was really useful" adds emphasis. Whether to use the intensifier depends on the degree of usefulness you want to convey. If you want to express a stronger sense of utility, "it was really useful" is more appropriate.

How can I avoid overusing the phrase "it was really useful"?

Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing to describe the specific benefits. Instead of saying ""it was really useful"", try "it streamlined the process" or "it significantly reduced errors".