it was significantly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was significantly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was notably or considerably different or impactful in a particular context. Example: "The results of the experiment showed that it was significantly more effective than the previous method."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was significantly higher than the other seven offers.

The New York Times

It was significantly lower (9.5 g/liter) in the defoliated 1x treatment.

Cornell University

"It was significantly more, in fact, than we expected".

The New York Times

Ultimately, the prom at Bronxville was not canceled, but it was significantly overhauled.

The New York Times

It was significantly misleading – given that it suggested a fundamental breach of the Queen's constitutional obligations".

The Guardian

Finish Line was the minnow swallowing the whale; it was significantly smaller than Genesco.

The New York Times

It was significantly lower than Yuan Qi, or his parents, had expected.

The Guardian

Benzamide 11e was differentiated from previous NRIs as it was significantly less lipophilic (Δclog P −0.9).

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters

He won't say what it went for, only that it was significantly higher than the £400,000 asking price.

The Guardian - Money

In fact, it was significantly cut for broadcast – I watch the original scene with Wainwright, and it is considerably stronger.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That was the highest attendance since 1990, and it was significantly above the recent average of about 400.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was significantly", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being compared. Providing specific data or reference points enhances the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it was significantly" as a generic intensifier. Instead, provide specific details about the magnitude or importance of the difference you are describing to maintain clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was significantly" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective. It serves to intensify the degree to which something is different, better, worse, or otherwise changed. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase correctly indicates a notable change or difference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was significantly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to highlight notable differences or impacts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's applicable across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, media, and scientific writing. While versatile, ensuring contextual clarity and avoiding overuse are key to maximizing its effectiveness. Alternatives like "it differed substantially" or "there was a marked difference" can add variety to writing while maintaining precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it differed substantially

Replaces "significantly" with "substantially", emphasizing the magnitude of difference.

it varied considerably

Substitutes "significantly" with "considerably", highlighting a notable amount of variation.

there was a marked difference

Changes the sentence structure to emphasize the existence of a noticeable difference.

it showed a prominent change

Focuses on the change being easily noticeable or important.

it was notably different

Replaces "significantly" with "notably", indicating something worthy of attention.

it stood out remarkably

Highlights how something was exceptional or striking in its difference.

it was considerably greater

Emphasizes that something was larger or more important to a considerable extent.

it presented a major shift

Indicates a substantial change or alteration.

it was substantially altered

Focuses on the aspect of alteration, using "substantially" to amplify the degree.

it represented a considerable leap

Highlights a major advancement or jump forward.

FAQs

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

Use "it was significantly" to highlight a notable difference or impact. For example, "The new treatment showed promising results; "it was significantly" more effective than the standard therapy".

What are some alternatives to using "it was significantly"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it differed substantially", "it varied considerably", or "there was a marked difference", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it was significantly" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is considerably different or impactful. Ensure that the context provides enough information to understand the significance being highlighted. Avoid overuse, as it can dilute the impact.

What's the difference between "it was significantly better" and "it was somewhat better"?

"It was significantly better" indicates a large, noticeable improvement, while "it was somewhat better" suggests a slight, less pronounced improvement. The choice depends on the actual degree of difference.