it was yes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was yes" is not standard in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could be used in informal contexts to affirm something that was previously stated, but clarity is essential. Example: "When asked if I agreed with the decision, my response was simple: it was yes."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Although it was, yes, telling a story from its time, there were certain classic elements.

The Guardian - Film

It was "yes, maam".

The Guardian - Music

It was, yes.

The Guardian - Sport

"Then Yotam asked me to join him, and a few weeks later it was yes".

The New Yorker

"With my business being as slow as it was, yes, I was frustrated," Atkinson said.

The New York Times

PHIL KNIGHT: Yeah, it was, yes, it was mainly focused on economics and manufacturing.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

For a while it was yes-it's-included tours.

HuffPost

It is yes.

Independent

But it's yes".

The New York Times

Morgan: "It is, yes.

The Guardian

"It is, yes," Rajiv agreed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was yes" ensure that the person you are talking to understands what "it" refers to. Vague references will create ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was yes" in formal writing or professional communications. Opt for more standard phrases like "that is correct" or "the answer was yes" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

Affirmation and agreement. The phrase "it was yes" functions as a concise way to confirm or agree with a preceding statement or question. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is acceptable in specific contexts. The examples show its use in responses to queries or clarifications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was yes" is used as a simple affirmative response, primarily found in news and media contexts. While Ludwig AI indicates it's acceptable, it is best reserved for informal or conversational settings and not formal writing. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "the answer was yes" or "that is correct". Always ensure clarity in the context where it's used. Its widespread use in reputable sources contributes to a relatively high source quality and expert rating.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yes, that's right

Provides simple agreement, combining "yes" for initial affirmation and "that's right" for further confirmation.

yes, it is true

Highlights the truthfulness of a prior statement or question.

that is correct

Formal restatement emphasizing accuracy and agreement.

yes, definitely

Adds certainty to the agreement

that's affirmative

More formal affirmation, often used in professional settings.

indeed it was

Adds emphasis and confirmation to a previous statement.

it certainly was

Highlights the certainty of a prior statement or question.

it most certainly was

Strongly emphasizes the agreement or confirmation.

absolutely it was

Adds intensity to the agreement

without a doubt

Expresses total agreement, removing any uncertainty.

FAQs

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

Use "it was yes" as a short affirmation, like in response to a clarifying question. For instance, "They asked if I agreed, and /s/it+was+yes was my answer."

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

For formal situations, use phrases like "the answer was yes", "that is correct", or "/s/that's+affirmative" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "it was yes" grammatically correct?

While not standard in formal writing, "it was yes" is acceptable in informal conversation to confirm something previously stated or asked.

When is it appropriate to use "it was yes"?

It's suitable in casual conversations when a simple, direct confirmation is needed. Avoid using it in formal reports or academic papers; instead, use /s/the+answer+was+yes or similar constructions.