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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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it wasn't the same

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was one of those concerts where time stopped," she said, adding that in Bologna "it wasn't the same".

But it wasn't the same.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Still, it wasn't the same.

News & Media

The New York Times

"It wasn't the same," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

In L.A. it wasn't the same".

News & Media

The New York Times

It wasn't the same for me.

Unfortunately, it wasn't the same thing.

News & Media

The New York Times

It wasn't the same as everybody else.

In that way, it wasn't the same".

"Wasn't he once an orderly?" "It wasn't the same".

News & Media

The New Yorker

After that, it wasn't the same for us".

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it wasn't the same" to subtly highlight a change or difference without being overly critical. It's effective for expressing nostalgia or a sense of loss.

Common error

Avoid using "it wasn't the same" repetitively in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by employing synonyms like "it felt different" or "things had changed" to maintain reader engagement.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it wasn't the same" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a state of being that differs from a previous one. It expresses a comparison, often implying a change or decline in quality or feeling. Examples from Ludwig show it used in various contexts to highlight differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"It wasn't the same" is a versatile phrase used to express a noticeable difference or change from a previous state or condition. Analysis by Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While simple, its effectiveness lies in its ability to convey nuanced feelings of nostalgia, disappointment, or simple contrast. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, writers can effectively employ this phrase to add depth and emotion to their narratives. Consider alternatives such as "it felt different" or "things had changed" to avoid redundancy and add variety to your writing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it wasn't the same" to sound more formal?

Consider alternatives like "the circumstances had altered significantly", "the experience differed markedly", or "the impact was not equivalent" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does "it wasn't the same" imply?

The phrase suggests that a situation, experience, or feeling has changed from a previous state, often implying a sense of loss, disappointment, or simply a notable difference.

Is it ever appropriate to use "it wasn't quite the same" instead of "it wasn't the same"?

Yes, using "it wasn't quite the same" adds a degree of nuance. It suggests the difference is subtle, while the original phrase indicates a more significant change.

What is a more evocative way to say "it wasn't the same"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the magic was gone", "things had changed", or "the atmosphere had shifted" to create a stronger emotional impact.

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Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: