it was well over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was well over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a quantity or measurement exceeds a certain point significantly. Example: "By the time we arrived, it was well over the expected time of arrival."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

It was well over two stories high in places.

The New York Times

It was well over 40C in Ahmed's taxi as we rattled toward Salt.

The Guardian

It was well over two years since Bee had first set eyes on Cow 133.

The Guardian

It was well over a decade before she decided she rather missed Fleetwood Mac.

The Guardian - Music

He does not count what he spends on materials, but he said it was well over $2,000.

The New York Times

It was well over 30C, the audience were melting, and every one of them wanted that dress.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Absolutely not, I absolutely wouldn't contemplate that... but I do think it's well over-time to have a female 'Doctor Who'..

Huffington Post

"It's well over violence," she said.

The New York Times

It's well over the bar.

The Telegraph

It is well over 30 degrees and Finestres looks frazzled.

The Guardian - Sport

It's well over 30C and it's humid and dirty.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was well over" to emphasize that an amount or quantity significantly exceeds a particular threshold. This adds impact compared to simply stating 'it exceeded'.

Common error

Avoid using "it was well over" when only a slight excess is intended. The phrase implies a considerable difference, so choose a more precise term if the margin is small.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was well over" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, typically a form of 'to be'. It quantifies and emphasizes the degree to which something exceeds a specific value or expectation. Ludwig indicates its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was well over" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to emphasize that a quantity or amount significantly exceeds a certain point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for use in various contexts, including news, academic, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, remember that it conveys a considerable difference, as using a more precise term is suggested if it's not the case. Alternatives include phrases such as "it exceeded", or "it surpassed", offering options with varying degrees of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it exceeded

Directly states that a limit was surpassed, lacking the additional emphasis of 'well'.

it surpassed

Similar to 'exceeded', but may imply overcoming an obstacle or target.

it went beyond

Emphasizes movement past a specific point, suggesting a progression.

it was considerably more than

Replaces 'well over' with a more descriptive phrase, indicating a significant difference.

it was substantially greater than

Similar to 'considerably more than', but with a more formal tone.

it was significantly above

Focuses on the idea of being higher than a reference point.

it clocked in at

Alternative verb emphasizing the act of measure and recording the result.

the final count was

Alternative phrase for the verb emphasizing the act of reaching total.

the ultimate amount reached

Alternative phrase that's similar to amount reached but emphasizes its finality.

the terminal figure came in at

Alternative and formal verb which emphasize that the figure is a fact.

FAQs

How can I use "it was well over" in a sentence?

Use "it was well over" to indicate that a quantity or amount significantly exceeded a certain point. For example, "By the time they arrived, "it was well over" the agreed time.".

What's a more formal alternative to "it was well over"?

More formal alternatives include phrases like "it considerably exceeded" or "it substantially surpassed", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "it was well over" in academic writing?

Yes, "it was well over" is acceptable in academic writing, but ensure the tone aligns with the formality of the piece. In some cases, a more precise or descriptive phrase might be preferable.

Which is more emphatic: "it was over" or "it was well over"?

"It was well over" is more emphatic than "it was over". The addition of "well" emphasizes that the quantity exceeded the expected amount significantly.