it was stimulating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was stimulating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an experience, event, or activity that was exciting or thought-provoking. Example: "The lecture on quantum physics was so engaging that I found myself thinking about it long after it ended; it was stimulating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It was stimulating he recalls.

The Guardian - Books

It was stimulating to be on these trips.

The New York Times

Japan abandoned this approach in 2004 because it was stimulating too many lawsuits.

The New York Times

I was lucky enough to be born into a family environment that was as demanding as it was stimulating.

The New York Times

"It was stimulating to hear about how The League approaches the dating app market from a female perspective," said audience member Joseph Yim '20.

Harvard University

Previous studies had linked high levels of PRMT5 to cancer, but the protein is an enzyme that can act on hundreds of other proteins, so scientists weren't sure exactly how it was stimulating cancer cell growth.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Hanson claimed the Australian economy wasn't stimulated by immigration – an orthodoxy considered central to economic thinking – it was stimulated by government infrastructure projects.

The Guardian

The Japanese advance, breathtaking as it was, stimulated panic right around the crescent as far as Calcutta.

The Guardian - Books

The latter most likely occurred by macropinocytosis since it was stimulated by phorbol myristate and blocked by dimethylamiloride.

Molecular Therapy

The last paper I published was a really theoretical paper with three colleagues and it was stimulated by a popular book I wrote with Jeff Forshaw about quantum mechanics.

The Guardian

The desire for glory was one of the permanent traits in Bolívar's character, and there can be little doubt that it was stimulated by Napoleon.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was stimulating" when you want to convey that something provided intellectual or emotional excitement and encouraged active thought or engagement. This is particularly effective when describing experiences that broadened your perspective or sparked your creativity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was stimulating" for everyday, unchallenging activities. Reserve it for experiences that genuinely inspired you or prompted new insights. For instance, instead of saying "the grocery shopping was stimulating", use a more appropriate adjective like efficient or quick.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was stimulating" functions as a subjective comment, expressing a personal reaction to an experience. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and used to convey that something elicited excitement or intellectual engagement, enhancing active thought.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

31%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was stimulating" is a grammatically correct and generally accepted phrase used to express that something was exciting or intellectually engaging. While considered uncommon in frequency, according to Ludwig, it appears across different contexts such as news, academia, and science. When using this phrase, it's best to reserve it for activities that genuinely inspired you, as it is most frequently misused with mundane topics. Remember to consider alternatives such as "it was invigorating" or "it was thought-provoking" for specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was invigorating

Emphasizes the refreshing and revitalizing aspect of the experience.

it was energizing

Focuses on the increase in energy and motivation resulting from the experience.

it was fascinating

Highlights the captivating and intriguing nature of the experience.

it was captivating

Stresses the ability of the experience to hold one's attention completely.

it was thought-provoking

Emphasizes the intellectual stimulation and the prompting of deeper reflection.

it was inspiring

Highlights the way the experience motivated and uplifted.

it was refreshing

Implies a sense of novelty and a break from routine.

it was intriguing

Suggests the experience was mysterious and sparked curiosity.

it was exciting

Focuses on the thrill and anticipation generated by the experience.

it was a learning experience

Highlights the educational and growth-oriented aspect of the experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was stimulating" to describe an experience, conversation, or environment that caused you to feel intellectually or emotionally engaged and active. For example, "The debate on climate change was so engaging that I found it very stimulating."

What are some alternatives to "it was stimulating"?

You can use alternatives like "it was invigorating", "it was thought-provoking", or "it was inspiring" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was stimulating" formal or informal?

"It was stimulating" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and choose alternatives if a more specific or impactful adjective is desired.

What's the difference between "it was stimulating" and "it was interesting"?

While both phrases denote a positive experience, "it was stimulating" implies a more active and engaging effect, suggesting that the experience provoked thought or inspired action. "It was interesting", on the other hand, simply means that the experience was attention-worthy or curious.