it was shaky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was shaky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was unstable, uncertain, or unreliable, whether referring to physical objects, situations, or feelings. Example: "The presentation was shaky, with several technical issues that made it hard to follow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But it was shaky and fell apart this week.

The New York Times

As for Calipari's actual coaching in the actual game on Monday night, Greg Couch of Fox Sports thought it was "shaky".

The New York Times

"And 75percentt of the optometrists still sending customers out with Bausch starter kits said it was shaky about whether they would continue," Mr. Cooley said.

The New York Times

MR. GREENWOOD -- And did it seem to be -- did you get the impression, or was it said to you others that they thought that this was perfectly legitimate, or that it was shaky but everyone is going along with the deal?

The New York Times

"It was shaky at the end but to come away with bronze means the hard work's paid off," Smith told BBC Sport.

BBC

But when I switched to using the cane with my left hand after having the right hip replaced, it was shaky to say the least.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But it is shaky and has not yet led to a formal peace settlement.

The Economist

But, while much has been written about the so-called "first mover advantage," the historical evidence for it is shaky.

The New Yorker

Asked if Republican support for the bill was shaky, Senator Trent Lott, Republican of Mississippi, said, "It's shaky where I'm concerned".

The New York Times

When it's shaky, he said, sales increase as women boost their mood with inexpensive lipstick purchases instead of $500 slingbacks.

The New York Times

Reading the business pages, it would be easy to conclude that it's shaky times at Ralph Lauren, with sales down 11% in North America in the first quarter of 2016, 8% of its workforce cut this year and 50 stores closing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was shaky" to describe situations, plans, or physical objects that are not stable or reliable. It is suitable for expressing doubt or concern about something's solidity or success.

Common error

While "it was shaky" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in formal writing or presentations. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "it was unstable" or "it was unreliable" to convey a stronger sense of authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was shaky" typically functions as a descriptive statement, providing an assessment of something's condition or quality. It implies a lack of stability, reliability, or firmness. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was shaky" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe something unstable, unreliable, or uncertain. While versatile, it is more suited for general and news contexts than formal or scientific writing, where alternatives might offer greater precision. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, while also providing helpful suggestions for alternative phrases to use based on the context. The phrase is commonly found in news and media outlets, indicating its relevance in describing current events and situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was unstable

Replaces "shaky" with a direct synonym emphasizing a lack of stability.

it was unsteady

Similar to unstable, focusing on a lack of physical or metaphorical firmness.

it was precarious

Suggests a situation filled with uncertainty and potential danger, similar to being shaky.

it was unreliable

Focuses on the lack of dependability, a key aspect of something being shaky.

it was uncertain

Highlights the lack of sureness or predictability.

it was fragile

Implies that something could easily break or fail, akin to being shaky.

it was vulnerable

Highlights susceptibility to harm or failure, a consequence of being shaky.

it was wobbly

Implies physical instability or a lack of balance.

it was touch-and-go

Indicates a critical or precarious situation with an uncertain outcome.

it was dicey

Informal term suggesting riskiness or uncertainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was shaky" to describe something that lacked stability or reliability. For example, "The truce "it was shaky" and fell apart quickly" or "The evidence "it was shaky", so the case was dismissed".

What are some synonyms for "it was shaky"?

Alternatives to "it was shaky" include "it was unstable", "it was precarious", or "it was unreliable", depending on the specific context.

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

While "it was shaky" is generally acceptable, it may be more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives such as "it was tenuous" or "it was uncertain".

What does "it was shaky" imply?

"It was shaky" implies that something was not firm, stable, or reliable. It suggests a degree of uncertainty or risk associated with the subject being described. For example, a shaky agreement is likely to fail.