it was very

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was very" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the degree of something, often followed by an adjective. Example: "It was very exciting to see the final match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was very entertaining.

Independent

It was very ironic.

The New York Times

It was very clean.

The New Yorker

It was very uncharacteristic.

The New York Times - Sports

It was very domesticated.

The New York Times

It was very terrible".

The New York Times

"It was very physical.

The New York Times - Sports

It was very philosophical".

The New Yorker

"It was very discriminatory".

Independent

It was very revealing.

The New Yorker

"It was very frightening".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger adjectives instead of relying heavily on "very". For instance, instead of "it was very good", try "it was excellent".

Common error

Avoid using "very" with adjectives that already imply a high degree. For example, saying "very unique" is redundant because "unique" already means one of a kind. Instead, use stronger, more descriptive words.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was very" functions as an intensifier followed by an adjective. It serves to emphasize a particular quality or characteristic. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a grammatically correct way to describe the degree to which something possesses a certain attribute.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was very" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to emphasize an adjective. While simple and direct, Ludwig AI suggests varying your language to prevent overuse and enhance the descriptive quality of your writing. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, lending itself to a neutral tone, adaptable for both formal and informal scenarios. Be mindful of stronger adjectives and avoid redundancy to wield the phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it felt quite

This alternative uses "quite" to suggest a slightly lesser degree of intensity compared to "very".

it seemed really

This alternative uses "really" as an intensifier, providing a more informal tone than "very".

it struck me as extremely

This alternative conveys a stronger sense of impact and surprise, emphasizing the degree more intensely.

it came across as remarkably

This alternative suggests that the quality was noticeable and worthy of attention.

it proved to be exceptionally

This alternative highlights that something turned out to be better than expected.

it was unbelievably

This alternative emphasizes the surprising or hard-to-believe nature of the characteristic being described.

it turned out to be surprisingly

This alternative adds a sense of unexpectedness to the quality being described.

it had a particularly

This alternative focuses on specifying that a certain aspect was notably present.

it possessed a distinctly

This alternative highlights a clear and unique quality or characteristic.

it registered as significantly

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the notable impact or effect of something.

FAQs

How can I avoid overusing the phrase "it was very"?

Try using more descriptive and impactful adjectives instead of relying on "very". For example, instead of "it was very cold", you could say "it was freezing".

What are some alternatives to "it was very" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "it was extremely", "it was exceptionally", or "it was remarkably" to maintain a sophisticated tone. You could also replace the phrase with stronger adjectives, such as saying "it was superb" instead of "it was very good".

How does the context affect the choice of words after "it was very"?

The context dictates the most appropriate adjective. For example, in a scientific report, you might say "it was very precise", while in a casual conversation, you might say "it was very fun". Choose adjectives that accurately reflect the situation and intended meaning.

Is it grammatically incorrect to use "it was very"?

No, using "it was very" is grammatically correct. However, over-reliance on "very" can make your writing sound less vivid and engaging. Aim for a balance by using more descriptive words and varied sentence structures. Alternatives include phrases like "it felt quite" or "it seemed really".