it was surely

USAGE SUMMARY

'It was surely' is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express certainty or emphasis in a sentence. For example: - "It was surely a mistake on his part to not double-check the calculations." - "I can't believe it was surely her who won the award." - "The concert was surely one of the best performances I've ever seen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You can see the concrete podium down here, without its original facing; it was surely faced.

Yale University

It was surely late.

The New York Times

It was surely unINTENTional.

The New York Times

Back then it was surely different.

The New York Times

And it wouldn't it was surely going to fail.

Cornell University

But it was, surely, a ludicrous proposition.

The Guardian - Books

It was surely cheaper than New York.

The New Yorker

But it was surely worth a try.

The Guardian

But it was surely just as valid.

The Guardian - Film

It was surely impossible, I secretly thought.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was surely bittersweet for the Australian Open organizers as well.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was surely" to express a strong degree of certainty or to emphasize a point you believe is highly probable. It adds a touch of formality and conviction to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it was surely" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and overly assertive. Vary your language with synonyms like "it definitely was" or "it undoubtedly was" for a more engaging and nuanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was surely" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb "was" to express a high degree of certainty or confidence in a statement. It emphasizes the speaker's belief that something is undoubtedly true. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was surely" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express a strong degree of certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various contexts, including news media and academia. While the phrase is common, it's essential to use it judiciously to avoid repetitiveness. Consider alternatives like "it certainly was" or "it undoubtedly was" to add variety to your writing. While generally neutral, the phrase can add a slightly formal tone. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, understanding its subtle nuances can significantly enhance your writing and communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it undoubtedly was

Highlights the lack of doubt surrounding a past event or situation.

it definitely was

Emphasizes the certainty of a past event or situation.

it certainly was

Similar to "it definitely was", but with a slightly more formal tone.

it without a doubt was

Emphasizes complete certainty with a more emphatic tone.

it must have been

Expresses a strong likelihood or deduction based on available information.

it very likely was

Suggests a high probability, though not absolute certainty.

it had to be

Indicates a necessity or inevitability, suggesting there were no other possibilities.

it seems certain it was

Expresses a strong belief based on available evidence.

it was assuredly

A more formal and less common way to express certainty.

it is safe to say it was

Indicates a reasonable assumption based on the circumstances.

FAQs

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

"It was surely" is typically used to express a high degree of certainty about something. For example, "It was surely a mistake to trust him with such a sensitive task."

What are some alternatives to "it was surely"?

Alternatives include "it was certainly", "it was definitely", or "it undoubtedly was". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was surely" more formal or informal?

"It was surely" leans towards the more formal side, but it remains appropriate for a variety of contexts. Options like "it had to be" are considered more informal.

When should I avoid using "it was surely"?

Avoid using "it was surely" when you want to express doubt or uncertainty. In such cases, phrases like "it might have been" or "it could have been" are more appropriate.