it was tabloid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was tabloid" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that resembles or is characteristic of tabloid journalism, often implying sensationalism or a focus on gossip. Example: "The article was so exaggerated and filled with rumors that it was tabloid in nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was tabloid crime, which is its own genre.

The New York Times

It was tabloid; it was Plato.

The New Yorker

It's not tabloid to ask about Ayers any more than it was tabloid to question Bill Clinton about his past.

Huffington Post

It was tabloid pictures, after all, that she herself cut together so knowingly in the clip for her breakthrough song, "Video Games".

Los Angeles Times

Ramos emphasized that it was "tabloid" reports ― not any wrongdoing on the part of the company ― that prompted Rosselló's request to cancel the contract on Sunday.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's tabloid fame that dooms you.

The New York Times - Science

It's tabloid gold dust – and indeed, the connection is made in the third para of the Mail's story on the research.

The Guardian - Tech

It's tabloid TV, turning political faux-pas into a Brangelina catfight, utterly distracting us from real issues.

Huffington Post

"It's tabloid journalism applied to art... It's short, it's entertaining, 10 things, a list, smoking weed in front of six police stations.

Vice

Monday morning will still see a nominal "Sun," but it will be tabloid and unrecognisable.

The Guardian

Although in format it was a tabloid, its layout was restrained and its coverage sober, with long articles about education, foreign affairs, and other serious subjects.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was tabloid", ensure that the context clearly indicates a focus on sensationalism, gossip, or exaggerated stories. This phrase is most effective when criticizing or describing a certain style of media or reporting.

Common error

Avoid using "it was tabloid" in formal writing or professional settings where a more neutral or objective tone is expected. Instead, opt for phrases like "it was sensationalized" or "it relied on gossip" to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was tabloid" functions as a descriptive statement, categorizing something as having characteristics associated with tabloid journalism. As Ludwig AI explains, this includes sensationalism and a focus on gossip. The examples provided by Ludwig show its use across various media outlets.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was tabloid" is used to describe something characterized by sensationalism, gossip, and exaggeration, typical of tabloid journalism. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While grammatically sound, it's more common in informal contexts and carries a slightly negative connotation. Alternative phrases like "it was sensationalized" or "it was gossip-driven" may be more appropriate in formal writing. Remember to consider the tone and audience when using this phrase to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a tabloid story

Identifies the narrative as one typically found in tabloid media.

it was sensationalized

Emphasizes the exaggeration and dramatic presentation of information.

it was like a tabloid

Compares the subject to the characteristics of a tabloid publication.

it was gossip-driven

Highlights the reliance on rumors and personal stories.

it had a tabloid feel

Describes the impression or atmosphere as resembling a tabloid.

it was scandal-focused

Focuses on the centrality of scandals and controversial events.

it smacked of tabloid journalism

Suggests a strong resemblance to the negative aspects of tabloid journalism.

it was sensational journalism

Specifies the style of journalism as focusing on sensational content.

it was yellow journalism

Highlights a type of journalism based on sensationalism and crude exaggeration.

it was pure sensationalism

Emphasizes the unadulterated focus on creating a sensation.

FAQs

How can I describe something similar to tabloid journalism without using the phrase "it was tabloid"?

You can use phrases such as "it was sensationalized", "it was gossip-driven", or "it was scandal-focused" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

What kind of tone does the phrase "it was tabloid" convey?

The phrase "it was tabloid" typically conveys a negative tone, suggesting that something is sensationalized, exaggerated, or focuses on gossip rather than factual reporting.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "it was tabloid"?

It is appropriate to use "it was tabloid" when you want to criticize or describe a piece of media, reporting, or behavior that exhibits the characteristics of tabloid journalism, such as sensationalism and a focus on personal scandals.

Is "it was tabloid" considered formal or informal language?

The phrase "it was tabloid" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, it's better to use more neutral or objective language to describe the same characteristics, such as "it was sensational journalism".