riveting it was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "riveting it was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something was very interesting or engaging, often in a somewhat dramatic or literary context. Example: "The story unfolded with unexpected twists and turns; riveting it was, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Riveting it was not.

The Guardian

Austere, demanding and riveting, it was a sensation.

The Guardian

If Mr. Bush seemed more riveting, it was not because of his delivery or the speech itself, smooth, conciliatory and authoritative though they were.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But while the tale of the two presidential candidates still stuck in a swamp in Florida has certainly been riveting, it is getting to be more of a page-turner than even Mr. Buss had bargained for.

The New York Times

If that sounds riveting, it's only because I'm a terrific writer.

Huffington Post

She's now 93, and the story of this Rosie is still riveting It's a powerful story, a positive story, and one hell of a tribute to the female work force".

Los Angeles Times

Rote and riveting, it's a highly informational documentary that aspires to the aim of all great art: to evoke in the viewer the emotions connected to the senses themselves.

Vice

But it's not the computer scientist's lecture that's so riveting-it's how she's giving it.

MIT Technology Review

In addition to the utility of the rivet, it is aesthetically pleasing in terms of the overall look of the piece.

Bplans

The first season was riveting partly because it was so flattering; the viewer was the real supervisor in the room.

The New York Times - Arts

The prose is riveting, but it is also difficult to read.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "riveting it was" sparingly to create a slightly dramatic or literary effect. This inversion of normal sentence structure adds emphasis but can sound affected if overused.

Common error

Avoid using "riveting it was" in overly casual contexts. Its slightly formal and stylized nature can sound out of place in everyday conversation or informal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "riveting it was" functions as a subject complement with an inverted sentence structure. It emphasizes the adjective "riveting", highlighting the captivating or compelling nature of something. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct, though less common than the standard form.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "riveting it was" is a grammatically sound but somewhat uncommon construction used to emphasize the captivating nature of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it employs an inverted sentence structure to place stress on the adjective "riveting". While versatile, it is best suited for slightly formal contexts or when aiming for a touch of dramatic expression. Predominantly found in News & Media, according to Ludwig's examples, this phrase is more of a stylistic choice than a standard expression. When aiming to be more explicit you can express the same concept with the expression "it was captivating".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It was absolutely enthralling

Replaces "riveting" with "enthralling" and uses a more emphatic adverb.

It proved to be captivating

Changes the verb and uses "captivating" to describe the experience.

It held my attention completely

Focuses on the effect on the observer rather than a direct description.

It was exceptionally gripping

Substitutes "riveting" with "gripping", highlighting its intensity.

It had an irresistible allure

Shifts the focus to the attractive quality of the subject.

It was intensely fascinating

Replaces "riveting" with "fascinating" to suggest intellectual stimulation.

It was deeply absorbing

Emphasizes the immersive quality of the experience.

It completely engrossed me

Highlights the personal experience of being thoroughly engaged.

It was spellbinding from start to finish

Adds a temporal dimension, indicating sustained captivation.

It unfolded with captivating intensity

Focuses on how the experience developed, using 'captivating' to show it.

FAQs

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

Use "riveting it was" when you want to emphasize how captivating or interesting something was, often in a somewhat literary or dramatic way. Example: "The performance was stunning; riveting it was, from beginning to end."

What are some alternatives to "riveting it was"?

You can use alternatives like "it was captivating", "it was enthralling", or "it was fascinating", depending on the context.

Is "riveting it was" grammatically correct?

Yes, "riveting it was" is grammatically correct, although it's an inverted sentence structure used for emphasis, as Ludwig AI confirms. This structure is not as common as the standard "it was riveting".

When is it appropriate to use "riveting it was" instead of "it was riveting"?

Use "riveting it was" when you want to add a touch of formality, drama, or emphasis. It is less common in everyday speech but can be effective in literary writing or when trying to create a specific tone.