it was unbelievable

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was unbelievable" is a valid and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the incredulity of something. For example, "I saw a UFO last night and it was unbelievable!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

And it was unbelievable.

Cornell University

But it was unbelievable".

The New York Times - Sports

It was unbelievable.

The New York Times - Sports

It was unbelievable today".

The New York Times - Sports

It was unbelievable stupidity".

The Guardian - Music

"It was unbelievable," she recalled.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"It is unbelievable.

The New York Times

Bye! It's unbelievable.

The Guardian - Sport

It's unbelievable, uncanny.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Technically, it is unbelievable.

The Guardian - Sport

It's unbelievable support.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was unbelievable" to express genuine surprise or disbelief, particularly when describing an unexpected or extraordinary event. Ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "it was unbelievable" as a generic positive descriptor. Always provide context or details to support why something was considered unbelievable to make your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was unbelievable" primarily functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a strong reaction to something perceived as extraordinary or difficult to believe. Ludwig shows many examples where the phrase is used to describe surprising or amazing events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was unbelievable" is a common and versatile expression used to convey strong feelings of surprise, amazement, or disbelief. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used in diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic settings, and informal conversations. While its neutral register makes it generally applicable, tailoring word choice for more formal or scientific contexts is advised. To enhance impact, avoid overuse and ensure that "it" is clearly defined. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate your awe and wonder. Furthermore, sources such as the New York Times, The Guardian and BBC exemplify the phrase's varied applications and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was incredible

Similar in meaning but slightly more general; interchangeable in many contexts.

it was remarkable

Emphasizes the noteworthy or exceptional nature of something.

it was astonishing

Highlights the surprising and impressive nature of something.

it was extraordinary

Focuses on something being outside the ordinary or usual.

it was staggering

Implies something overwhelming or hard to believe.

it was unimaginable

Emphasizes the difficulty of conceiving or expecting something.

it defied belief

Suggests something is so unusual that it's hard to accept as true.

it was beyond words

Indicates that something is so impressive that it's difficult to describe.

it was out of this world

Suggests something is exceptionally good or impressive.

it was too good to be true

Implies a sense of disbelief due to the apparent impossibility of something positive.

FAQs

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

Use "it was unbelievable" to express strong surprise or disbelief about something. For example, "The speed of his recovery; "it was unbelievable"."

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

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

Is it better to say "it was unbelievable" or "that was unbelievable"?

Both "it was unbelievable" and "that was unbelievable" are correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on the specific context and what "it" or "that" refers to.

What does "it was unbelievable" imply?

"It was unbelievable" implies a strong sense of surprise, disbelief, or amazement at something that happened or was observed. It suggests that the event or situation was highly unusual or unexpected.