it was sticky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was sticky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, object, or substance that has a tacky or adhesive quality. Example: "After the rain, the floor was so wet that it was sticky, making it difficult to walk without slipping."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It was sticky and smelled lightly of the sea.

The New Yorker

"I've never felt the ball like that ever," Millsap told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "It was sticky.

The Guardian - Sport

"The bulbousness was definitely something that piqued my curiosity, and also the way that it was sticky," she said.

The New Yorker

There were some new scuff marks on the staircase and the kitchen floor felt sticky under foot – it was sticky, of course, from spilled chasers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was sticky hot, and I was grungy after a morning exploring the cobblestone passageways of Panama City's Casco Viejo, a 300-year-old cross between the crumbling charm of Old Havana and the restored glow of New Orleans's French Quarter.

The Washington Post

It was sticky sweet deliciousness, still warm from the energy it took to create.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It is sticky.

The New York Times

It's sticky and gooey.

The New York Times

It's sticky and chewy".

The New Yorker

"It's suffocating, it's sticky.

The New York Times

It's sticky enough as it is.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sensory experience, use "it was sticky" to vividly convey the texture and feel of something, making sure the context clarifies what "it" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "it was sticky" metaphorically without a clear connection to the literal meaning of stickiness, as this can create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was sticky" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing the quality of stickiness to a subject. Ludwig AI's examples show this phrase describing various physical objects or conditions. It often serves as a sensory detail within a narrative.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

23%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was sticky" is a descriptive expression used to convey the tactile sensation of stickiness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in a variety of contexts, primarily in News & Media and Wiki, although it maintains a generally neutral register. While literal applications are most common, the phrase can also be used metaphorically to describe situations. Related phrases include "it felt adhesive" and "it had a glutinous texture", which offer alternative ways to describe similar qualities. When using "it was sticky", ensure that the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to, and avoid overuse in abstract or metaphorical senses to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it had a sticky consistency

Focuses on the consistency rather than a direct sensory experience.

it felt adhesive to the touch

Highlights the adhesive quality and tactile sensation.

it was tacky to the touch

Replaces "sticky" with a synonym that also implies a slightly unpleasant texture.

it had a glutinous texture

Emphasizes a thick, glue-like quality.

it was like glue

Uses a simile to convey the sticky nature.

it adhered to everything

Focuses on the clinging property.

it was covered in a sticky residue

Highlights the presence of a sticky substance coating a surface.

it left a sticky film

Focuses on the residue left behind.

it was daubed with adhesive

Describes being coated with a sticky substance.

it was gluey

Uses an adjective to imply the presence of glue.

FAQs

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

Use "it was sticky" to describe the texture or feel of something. For example, "The countertop was dirty, and "it was sticky" to the touch."

What are some alternatives to "it was sticky"?

You can use alternatives like "it felt adhesive", "it was tacky", or "it had a glutinous texture" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "it was sticky" to describe a situation?

While "it was sticky" is typically used to describe physical textures, it can be used metaphorically in some contexts to describe a situation as being difficult or complicated, though this usage is less common. For example: the negotiation "it was tricky".

What does "it was sticky" imply?

"It was sticky" implies that something has an adhesive or clinging quality, either literally or metaphorically suggesting a difficult or awkward situation.