it was so high

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was so high" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has a significant height or elevation, often in a figurative or emotional context. Example: "The mountain was so high that it took our breath away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It was a big cave, it was so high.

The New York Times

That depends on why it was so high in the first place.

The Economist

"It was quite frightening because it was so high energy," she says drily.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She just said: "Jesus Christ", and had to take it twice because it was so high.

The Guardian

She took my blood sugar, and it was so high that she called an ambulance.

The New York Times - Health

It was so high in the sky and so bright — you wouldn't even believe it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

I always thought it was so high-risk doing that, but for four or five games he came off his line and gave nobody a chance.

BBC

It is so high that analysts think that its initial public offering (IPO) could rival Facebook's $104bn £67bnn) offering.

BBC

It's so high, I get scared.

The New York Times - Sports

It is so high nobody is going to pay it".

The New York Times

"No one counted on it being so high.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was so high" to vividly describe a physical height, a level of intensity, or a numerical value that exceeds expectations. This phrase adds emphasis and can create a stronger impression on the reader.

Common error

While "it was so high" is acceptable in many situations, be mindful of its slightly informal tone. In formal or academic writing, consider using alternatives like "it was extremely high" or "the level was significantly elevated" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was so high" functions as a descriptive statement, typically modifying a noun or situation previously mentioned in the context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is common and understandable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Unknown

26%

Travel

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was so high" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is at a significant or excessive level. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. It is frequently found in News & Media and can describe physical, abstract, or numerical attributes. Using "it was so high" effectively involves understanding its nuances and choosing the right level of formality for the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was that high

Emphasizes the specific degree to which something was high.

it was incredibly high

Replaces "so" with "incredibly" for a more emphatic tone.

it was extremely high

Uses "extremely" instead of "so" to indicate a high degree.

it was remarkably high

Highlights the unusual or noteworthy aspect of the height.

it reached such a height

Shifts the focus slightly to the act of reaching a high point.

the height was considerable

Uses a more formal tone to express that the height was significant.

its elevation was significant

Replaces "high" with "elevation" for a more technical or geographical context.

it towered above everything

Suggests something was high in a way that made it dominant or imposing.

it was at a great altitude

Implies height in terms of vertical distance above a reference point.

it was excessively high

Conveys that the height was more than necessary or acceptable.

FAQs

How can I use "it was so high" in a sentence?

You can use "it was so high" to describe physical heights (The mountain /s/was+so+high it took hours to climb), abstract qualities (The demand /s/was+so+high that the product sold out instantly) or quantities (The price /s/was+so+high that few could afford it).

What are some alternatives to "it was so high"?

Alternatives include "it was extremely high", "it was incredibly high", or "it was remarkably high", depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

Is "it was so high" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "it was so high" may be considered slightly informal for academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "it was extremely high" or "the level was significantly elevated" to maintain a professional tone.

How does the context affect the meaning of "it was so high"?

The context determines what "high" refers to. It could describe a physical attribute like the height of a building, an abstract attribute such as the level of risk, or a numerical value like the cost of a product. The surrounding words help to clarify the intended meaning.