it was very modern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was very modern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is contemporary or up-to-date in style, design, or technology. Example: "The new art gallery was impressive; it was very modern, with sleek lines and innovative installations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Sure enough, the chair -- In its day," Desmond says, "it was very modern" -- worked with the modernism of the room.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was very modern.

The New York Times

It had a rocky edge and it was very modern.

The Guardian

"It was very modern to me," Mr. Tankian said of the script.

The New York Times

"It was very modern, and different from anything else," Ms. Aalai said.

The New York Times

"The writing sounds stilted now, but it was very modern for the time, and her enormous royalties freed her husband to do whatever he wanted".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It's very modern.

The New York Times

"Even today, it's very modern," he said.

The New York Times

It's very modern in that way: collagey and kaleidoscopic.

Independent

[Pause] Anthea It's very modern, I guess.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's very modern that there is a bit of gender play.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "it was very modern" with specific details to enhance the description. For example, "it was very modern, featuring sleek lines and minimalist decor."

Common error

Avoid using "it was very modern" as a standalone statement without providing context. Explain why something was considered modern, or what specific features made it so.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was very modern" functions primarily as a descriptive statement. It aims to characterize something by indicating its contemporariness or adherence to current styles, technologies, or ideas during a specific period. Ludwig's examples show its usage across various contexts to describe architecture, art, and design.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was very modern" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that reflected contemporary trends or technologies of its time. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase functions as a descriptive statement often used in news and media to highlight innovations and contrasts with older styles. For clearer and more impactful writing, be specific about why something was considered modern, providing concrete details about its features or period. Remember that the perception of what's "modern" changes over time, so context is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it had a contemporary feel

Focuses on the feeling or impression of being up-to-date.

it was state-of-the-art

Implies it was the most advanced at the time.

it possessed a cutting-edge design

Highlights the advanced and innovative aspects of the design.

it adopted an innovative style

Focuses on the new and inventive manner in which something was done.

it showcased a novel approach

Emphasizes the new and original nature of the approach.

it broke new ground

Indicates pioneering and unprecedented achievement.

it was ahead of its time

Indicates that something was innovative for its period.

it reflected the latest trends

Focuses on how it aligned with current fashions and styles.

it embodied a forward-thinking perspective

Stresses the progressive and innovative viewpoint.

it represented a shift in paradigm

Highlights a fundamental change or advancement.

FAQs

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

Use "it was very modern" to describe something that reflected contemporary styles or technologies of its time. For example, "The architecture of the building, for the 1950s, "was very modern"."

What's a more descriptive alternative to "it was very modern"?

Instead of "it was very modern", you could say "it was state-of-the-art", "it was contemporary", or "it was ahead of its time" depending on the specific context.

Is "it was very modern" too vague for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was very modern" can be vague. For formal writing, provide specific details about what made something modern. For instance, specify design elements, technologies, or philosophies.

How does the meaning of "it was very modern" change with context?

The meaning depends on the era being discussed. Something "it was very modern" in the 1920s would differ significantly from something considered "it was very modern" today, so specify the period for clarity.