it was very different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was very different" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, experience, or object that contrasts significantly with something else. Example: "When I visited the new city, I realized it was very different from my hometown in terms of culture and lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was very different.

The New York Times

In training it was very different.

Independent

Back then, it was very different.

The New York Times

"It was very different," she said.

The New York Times - Style

But it was very different for Ladele.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In any case, it was very different".

The New York Times

In my time it was very different.

The Guardian - Sport

It was very different to other experiences I've had".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was very different from her last relationship.

The New Yorker

Twenty-three yeago ago, it was very different.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was very different from what we do now".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was very different", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared. This adds clarity and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it was very different" without specifying what the subject is different from. Without a clear reference point, the statement loses its meaning and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was very different" functions as a descriptive statement, typically used to highlight a contrast or dissimilarity between two subjects or situations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and examples show its usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"It was very different" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize contrasts or dissimilarities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and the examples show that the phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts. For effective use, ensure you clearly specify what is being compared to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "it differed significantly" and "it stood in stark contrast" can add nuance, but clarity in context remains key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it differed significantly

Emphasizes the degree of difference more explicitly.

it was markedly dissimilar

Highlights the lack of similarity in a formal tone.

it stood in stark contrast

Suggests a strong and obvious difference.

it was a world apart

Implies a vast difference, as if from another place or time.

it bore little resemblance

Indicates a lack of similarity or likeness.

it represented a divergence

Focuses on the point where things started to differ.

it was an entirely different matter

Highlights that the subject under discussion is unrelated.

it presented a contrast

Indicates the act of comparing subjects and showing the differences between them.

it deviated greatly

Focuses on the degree of departure from the original.

it was nothing like it

An informal way of emphasizing complete dissimilarity.

FAQs

How can I use "it was very different" in a sentence?

Use "it was very different" to highlight contrasts between situations, experiences, or objects. For instance, "The city I visited /s/last+year was very different from what I expected".

What phrases are similar to "it was very different"?

You can use phrases such as "it differed significantly", "it was markedly dissimilar", or "it stood in stark contrast" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "it was very different"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "it was very different" is grammatically correct. Ensure that the context provides a clear comparison to something previously mentioned.

When is it appropriate to use "it was very different" in writing?

Use "it was very different" when you want to emphasize the contrast between two subjects or situations. It's suitable for both formal and informal writing, depending on the surrounding context.