it was stunning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was stunning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is visually impressive or breathtaking, often in relation to art, nature, or experiences. Example: "The sunset over the mountains was so beautiful that I couldn't help but exclaim, it was stunning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I mean, it was stunning in its brutality.

Los Angeles Times

And it was stunning".

The New York Times

It was stunning, unthinkable".

The New York Times

It was stunning.

The New York Times

"It was stunning," Ferguson said.

The New York Times - Sports

It was stunning to see.

The New York Times

"It was stunning," says Schnitzer.

Yale University

Visually, it was stunning.

The Guardian - Arts

"It was stunning," he said.

The Guardian

"It was stunning," Mrs. Cartwright said.

The New York Times

Snoj0815 "It was stunning, glorious and heartbreaking.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was stunning" to convey a strong positive impression, especially when describing visual experiences, performances, or unexpected events. Ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "it was stunning" to describe ordinary or unremarkable things. This diminishes the impact of the phrase and can make your writing sound hyperbolic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was stunning" functions as a subjective expression of strong admiration or amazement. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It serves to convey a powerful positive impression about something, such as a visual experience or performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

23%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was stunning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express strong admiration or amazement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's most commonly found in news and media, academic writing, and formal business contexts. When writing, use it to describe something truly exceptional, avoiding overuse in mundane situations. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "it was breathtaking" or "it was magnificent" to convey similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was breathtaking

Emphasizes the beauty or grandeur of something to the point of taking one's breath away.

it was magnificent

Suggests an impressive scale and grandeur, often used for formal occasions or impressive sights.

it was remarkable

Highlights the unusual or exceptional quality of something.

it was extraordinary

Implies that something is beyond the ordinary, very special.

it was astonishing

Focuses on the surprise and disbelief caused by something.

it was incredible

Highlights the difficulty in believing something due to its exceptional nature.

it was impressive

Focuses on the effect that something has on someone.

it was awe-inspiring

Indicates that something fills you with a sense of reverence and wonder.

it was glorious

Emphasizes the beauty, magnificence and delightfulness of something.

it was dazzling

Highlights the brilliance and attractiveness of something.

FAQs

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

Use "it was stunning" to express strong admiration or amazement. For example, "The performance was captivating; "it was stunning"." Ensure the context makes it clear what "it" refers to.

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

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

Is it okay to use "it was stunning" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "it was stunning" might be perceived as slightly informal for very formal contexts. Consider using a more restrained alternative like "it was impressive" or "it was extraordinary" in those situations.

What's the difference between "it was stunning" and "it was surprising"?

"It was stunning" emphasizes beauty and impressiveness, while "it was surprising" focuses on unexpectedness. For example, "The plot twist was surprising" focuses on the unexpected element, versus "The visual effects were stunning" focuses on beauty and impressiveness.