it was violent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was violent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an event or situation that involved physical force or aggression. Example: "The movie was intense, and the final scene was so shocking that it was violent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was violent.

The New York Times

"It was violent, it was cruel.

The New York Times

"It was violent," she said.

The New York Times

It was violent, and emotionally difficult".

The Guardian

It was violent and it happened a number of times.

The New Yorker

"It was violent for '83, when it came out.

The New York Times

Cuban democracy as he knew it was violent and corrupt.

The New York Times - Books

You knew it was violent when you started playing; you knew it was violent when you cashed the checks; you assumed the risks when you reaped the rewards.

The Economist

The media flocked there and reported that it was violent and unpoliceable.

The Economist

The regulator said it was "violent and shocking" and unsuitable for pre-watershed viewing.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is violent.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was violent", ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "it was violent" as a crutch. Sometimes, specifying the actor and action (e.g., "the protesters turned violent") creates a more vivid and direct image for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was violent" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a subject (it) as exhibiting violence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples from news and media show how "it" refers to events, actions, or even artistic works.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Academia

8%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was violent" is grammatically correct and very commonly used to describe past events characterized by force or aggression. Ludwig AI affirms this. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase serves to inform and convey the nature of an event, maintaining a generally neutral tone. While versatile, it's advisable to ensure the context clearly defines "it" and to avoid overuse by considering alternatives like "it involved violence" or "it became aggressive" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it involved violence

Focuses on the presence of violence as a key element, similar intensity.

it turned brutal

Emphasizes the cruelty and severity of the violence, increasing intensity.

it involved bloodshed

Directly refers to the act of violence, increasing intensity.

it became aggressive

Highlights the escalation to aggression, suggesting a process leading to violence.

it was a savage episode

Suggests a wild, uncontrolled, and merciless nature of violence

it was a brutal encounter

Highlights the encounter with a descriptive and more formal.

it played out destructively

The adjective destructively emphasizes the capacity or tendency to destroy something.

it descended into chaos

Shifts the focus to the disorder and lack of control resulting from the violence.

it included physical force

Focuses on the physical aspect of the violent act, more descriptive and detached.

it escalated rapidly

Implies a quick and intense progression towards violence, focusing on the speed.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was violent" to describe an event, situation, or even a piece of media. For example, "The protest started peacefully, but "it was violent" by the end of the day" or "Critics said that "it was violent" for '83, when it came out".

Are there alternatives to "it was violent"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it involved violence", "it became aggressive", or "it turned brutal" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "it was violent" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was violent" is grammatically correct. The pronoun "it" agrees with the verb "was", and "violent" is an adjective that correctly describes the subject.

What's the difference between "it was violent" and "there was violence"?

"It was violent" refers to a specific event or situation that exhibited violence, while "there was violence" indicates the presence of violence in a more general sense. For example, "The game was physical but "it was violent"" describes one event, whereas "There was violence in the streets" indicates an overall atmosphere.