it was something else

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was something else" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something was extraordinary, surprising, or different from what was expected. Example: "The concert last night was something else; the energy in the crowd was electric."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was something else.

The New Yorker

Now it was something else.

The New Yorker

For her sister, it was something else.

The New Yorker

Domestically, it was something else.

The Guardian

Fixing it was something else altogether.

The New York Times

For Frank Roskowski, it was something else entirely.

The New York Times

But it was something else as well.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It is something else".

The New York Times

It's something else.

The New Yorker

"It's something else?" he said.

The New Yorker

The rest of it is something else.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "it was something else" to create intrigue or subtly hint at an experience without fully revealing its details. This can draw the reader in and encourage them to consider the deeper implications of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it was something else" repeatedly in close proximity. While it's a versatile phrase, overuse can dilute its impact. Instead, vary your descriptions with more specific language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was something else" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey that something was remarkable, surprising, or difficult to describe adequately. It serves to emphasize the unique or impactful nature of an experience, event, or object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was something else" is a versatile idiomatic phrase used to express that something was remarkable, surprising, or difficult to describe. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and indicates its frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's best to avoid overuse and consider more specific alternatives like "it was remarkable" or "it was unique" in more formal settings. This phrase is a powerful tool for conveying strong impressions and subtle hints in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was unlike anything else

Stresses the unparalleled nature of the subject.

it was beyond compare

Emphasizes the unmatched or unrivaled nature of the subject.

it was quite different

Emphasizes the difference or uniqueness of the experience or situation.

it exceeded expectations

Indicates that something was better than anticipated.

it was on another level

Implies a higher degree of quality, intensity, or complexity.

it was a whole new ballgame

Highlights the novelty and potentially challenging nature of the situation.

it defied description

Highlights the difficulty or impossibility of capturing the essence of something in words.

it was a different animal

Suggests a significant departure from what is typical or expected.

it was a complete departure

Stresses that something was a significant shift from the norm.

it stood apart from the rest

Indicates that something was noticeably superior or distinct.

FAQs

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

Use "it was something else" to express that an experience, event, or thing was remarkable, surprising, or difficult to describe. For example, "The concert last night "it was something else"; the energy in the crowd was electric."

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

You can use alternatives like "it was remarkable", "it was extraordinary", or "it was unique" depending on the context.

Is "it was something else" formal or informal?

"It was something else" is generally considered informal but acceptable in many contexts. For more formal writing, consider using alternatives like "it was exceptional" or "it was significant".

What does "it was something else" imply?

"It was something else" implies that the subject was noteworthy or impactful in some way, whether positively or negatively. The specific connotation depends on the context in which the phrase is used. Alternatives that can express the same implication can be "it was memorable", or "it was unforgettable".