it was smashing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was smashing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that something was excellent, impressive, or very enjoyable. Example: "The party last night was smashing; everyone had a great time and the music was fantastic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Honestly, kids, it was smashing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It was smashing up something that was so good.

The Guardian

Mr. Lowe wrote a column about it and wrote a follow-up after Ms. Davis called him to tell him it was "smashing".

The New York Times

Cardiff manager Malky Mackay: "This was a really big win for us after losing to Peterborough and it was smashing the way we bounced back from that.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In 1845, it was smashed by a drunken vandal and had to be reassembled.

The Guardian - Arts

"Five firefighters helped us out of the car and it was smashed.

The New York Times - Sports

At the time of the crash, before it was smashed, the house was under contract to be sold.

The New York Times

Most of it was smashed up to make road base, but the more striking panels were placed in storage.

The Guardian - Arts

But the last time evolutionary optimism rode high it was smashed to pieces by the first world war.

The Guardian

"This was originally a head and used to have a nose but it was smashed in at the opening," Siboni said.

The New Yorker

It was smashed in the scuffle.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was smashing" to express enthusiasm and approval, especially in informal contexts. It suggests something was highly enjoyable or successful.

Common error

While "it was smashing" is acceptable, it may sound out of place in formal or professional environments. Opt for alternatives like "it was excellent" or "it was a success" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was smashing" functions as an evaluative expression, conveying a positive judgment or strong approval. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was smashing" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to express enthusiasm and approval. While it leans toward a more informal register, some sources show its usage in news and media. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. When writing, consider the context and audience to determine if a more formal alternative, such as "it was excellent", would be more appropriate. Its usage is primarily within News & Media contexts according to the data.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was excellent

This alternative is a more general term for something of high quality.

it was fantastic

This alternative conveys a sense of wonder and delight.

it was brilliant

This alternative emphasizes the intelligence or skill involved.

it was superb

This alternative suggests something of the highest quality or standard.

it was wonderful

This alternative conveys a sense of delight and pleasure.

it was great

This alternative is a simpler, more general expression of approval.

it was a hit

This alternative implies that something was popular or successful.

it was a success

This alternative focuses on the positive outcome or achievement.

it was impressive

This alternative highlights the remarkable or noteworthy aspect.

it was remarkable

This alternative stresses how noteworthy something was.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was smashing" to express that something was very good or enjoyable, for example, "The party "it was smashing"; everyone had a great time".

What are some alternatives to saying "it was smashing"?

Alternatives to "it was smashing" include "it was excellent", "it was fantastic", or "it was brilliant" depending on the context.

Is "it was smashing" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was smashing" is generally more suited for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "it was a success" or "it was highly successful".

What does "it was smashing" typically mean?

"It was smashing" generally means that something was excellent, successful, or very enjoyable. It's a way to express strong approval or satisfaction.