it was thick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was thick" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the density or viscosity of a substance, or to convey a sense of heaviness or fullness in a metaphorical context. Example: "The fog was so dense that it was thick, making it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Stewart Alsop, a journalist turned venture capitalist, was the editor in chief of InfoWorld in the 1990s, when it was thick with ads and its editorial staff was at its peak.

The New York Times

It was thick, durable and seemed worth its price.

The New York Times

It was thick smog.

The Guardian - Arts

It was thick but not greasy.

The New York Times

It was thick, and as soft as silk.

The New Yorker

It was thick like cement and smelled of feces.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

It's thick, toasty and delightfully festive.

Independent

"It's thick — like oatmeal.

The New York Times - Food

It's thick and luxurious.

The Guardian - Film

It is thick, silky and rich tasting!

The Guardian - Opinion

In real life it is thick.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was thick" to vividly describe the physical properties of substances (e.g., liquids, textures) or to metaphorically convey a sense of intensity or abundance. For clarity, ensure the antecedent of "it" is clearly defined in the context.

Common error

Avoid using "it was thick" in overly abstract or vague situations where a more specific descriptor would be more appropriate. Instead of saying "the tension was thick", consider alternatives like "the tension was palpable" or "the atmosphere was strained" for greater precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was thick" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. It uses the pronoun "it" as a subject, "was" as a linking verb, and "thick" as a predicate adjective to attribute a quality to the subject. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was thick" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves primarily as a descriptive statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate for describing physical characteristics or metaphorical intensities. The phrase is prevalent in news and media, suggesting a neutral formality. Consider using alternatives like ""it was dense"" or ""it was viscous"" for nuanced meanings and avoid overuse in abstract contexts. Remember to ensure clarity by explicitly defining the antecedent of "it". Overall, "it was thick" is a versatile phrase for adding vivid descriptions to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it had a dense consistency

Focuses on the consistency of a substance, emphasizing its compact nature rather than just its thickness.

it possessed a heavy texture

Highlights the tactile quality, suggesting a weighty or substantial feel.

it was intensely concentrated

Shifts the focus to the concentration of elements within something, implying a high degree of potency or saturation.

it had a viscous quality

Emphasizes the flow properties, suggesting a slow-moving, syrupy nature.

it was heavily laden

Implies that something is full or burdened with a particular substance or element.

it exhibited a solid structure

Focuses on the firmness and stability of the subject, emphasizing structural integrity.

it was densely packed

Highlights the compactness and lack of empty space within something.

it was richly imbued

Suggests that something is saturated with a particular quality or characteristic.

it felt substantial

Emphasizes the feeling of weight and importance, suggesting something significant.

it was impenetrable

Focuses on the resistance to being entered or passed through, suggesting extreme density.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was thick" to describe a physical property, like "The sauce "it was thick" and creamy", or to describe a metaphorical feeling, like "The tension in the room "it was thick"".

What are some alternatives to "it was thick"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "it was dense", "it was viscous", or "it was heavy".

When is it appropriate to use "it was thick" metaphorically?

Using "it was thick" metaphorically works well when describing something intense or overwhelming, such as an atmosphere or feeling. For example, "The air "it was thick" with anticipation".

Is there a difference between saying "it was thick" and "it was dense"?

While both describe a high concentration of matter, ""it was thick"" often refers to a physical dimension or consistency, while ""it was dense"" implies compactness and a lack of empty space.