it was something

USAGE SUMMARY

'It was something' is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in many different contexts, to mean different things. For example: "It was something I hadn't expected to encounter at work today," she murmured to herself.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was something new.. . .

The New Yorker

It was something special".

The New York Times - Sports

It was something else.

The New Yorker

It was something.

The New York Times

It was something cooking".

The New York Times

"But it was something".

The New York Times

It was something positive.

The New Yorker

Now it was something else.

The New Yorker

"It was something like $100.

The New York Times

It was something very gradual".

Independent

First, it was something new.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context in which you're using the phrase. Is it meant to be vague or suggestive? Adjust your follow-up description accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "it was something" repeatedly without elaborating. Too much vagueness can leave the reader confused or disinterested. Follow up with specific details to create a clearer picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was something" functions as a broad, introductory expression that sets the stage for further explanation or description. It can highlight the significance or impact of a particular event, experience, or object. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase is deemed grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was something" is a versatile phrase used to introduce an event, feeling, or object with a sense of significance or uniqueness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. While the phrase itself is relatively neutral, the surrounding language can adjust the overall tone from informal to more formal. To avoid vagueness, ensure you provide specific details following the phrase to paint a clearer picture for your audience. Consider using alternative phrases like "it was remarkable" or "it was unique" to add more nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it had a certain quality

Focuses on the inherent characteristic or attribute of something.

it possessed a unique trait

Highlights the distinctiveness of the subject.

it proved to be significant

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of an event or object.

it turned out to be remarkable

Highlights the unexpected or noteworthy nature of something.

it held a special significance

Underscores the particular importance or value attached to something.

it carried a certain weight

Highlights the importance or influence of the subject.

it had an undeniable impact

Emphasizes the clear and significant effect of something.

it was quite an experience

Focuses on the subjective nature of the event.

it presented a challenge

Highlights the difficulty or complexity involved.

it left a lasting impression

Emphasizes the enduring effect of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was something" to introduce a description or explanation of an event, feeling, or object. For example, "The concert was amazing, "it was something" I'll never forget".

What's the difference between "it was something" and "it was nothing"?

"It was something" implies that an event or experience had some significance or impact, while "it was nothing" suggests the opposite – that it was insignificant or unimportant.

What can I say instead of "it was something"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it was remarkable", "it was unique", or "it was special" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "it was something" formal or informal?

"It was something" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language can influence the overall tone.