really it was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really it was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a statement or to express a strong opinion about a situation or event. Example: "I thought the movie would be boring, but really it was quite entertaining."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Really, it was.

The New York Times - Sports

"Really it was just timing.

The New York Times - Sports

Really, it was no biggie.

The New York Times

Really, it was my fault.

The New York Times

Really, it was a mess".

The New York Times

Really, really it was.

The Guardian - Business

"Really, it was a little nutty".

The New York Times

"I think, really, it was a refuge.

The New York Times - Arts

But, really, it was no-value care.

The New Yorker

(Really, it was a sausage factory).

The New York Times

"Really, it was like any other competition.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really it was" to add emphasis to a statement or express a genuine feeling about a past event. It can make your writing sound more personal and engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "really it was" in situations where the emphasis is not needed or adds little value to the sentence. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive.

Linguistic Context

"Really it was" functions as an emphatic expression, typically used to underscore the truth or impact of a previous statement. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable. It adds a layer of personal conviction or surprise to the narrative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "really it was" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to emphasize a statement or express genuine feeling. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it adds personal conviction to narratives but is less suited for formal academic writing. Related phrases like "it truly was" offer similar emphasis. When using this phrase, consider its impact and avoid overuse to maintain its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it truly was

Emphasizes the truth or genuineness of a past situation.

it actually was

Highlights that something was in fact the case, often contrary to expectation.

it genuinely was

Stresses the sincerity or authenticity of a past event or state.

it honestly was

Implies truthfulness and sincerity in describing a past situation.

it certainly was

Affirms that something was definitely the case, leaving no doubt.

it definitely was

Highlights that something was undeniably the case.

it seriously was

Emphasizes the gravity or importance of a past situation.

it absolutely was

Affirms that something was completely and without exception the case.

it indeed was

Formally confirms that something was the case.

it precisely was

Highlights that something was exactly the case, without any deviation.

FAQs

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

You can use "really it was" to emphasize a point or express a genuine feeling, for example, "I didn't expect much from the trip, but "really it was" amazing".

What can I say instead of "really it was"?

You can use alternatives like "it truly was", "it actually was", or "it certainly was" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "really it was" or "it really was"?

Both "really it was" and "it really was" are grammatically correct, but "really it was" can sometimes add a bit more emphasis. The choice depends on the flow and rhythm you want in your sentence.

When is it best to avoid using "really it was"?

Avoid using "really it was" in formal or highly technical writing where a more objective tone is preferred. It is generally more suited for conversational or narrative contexts.