this was heady

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was heady" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or experience that is exhilarating, intoxicating, or overwhelming, often in a positive sense. Example: "The atmosphere at the concert was electric, and this was heady, leaving everyone in a state of bliss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This was heady stuff.

Independent

This was heady stuff in the 1960s — and not just for a kid like me.

The New York Times

This was heady stuff for a parent trying to teach a child to put competition in its proper perspective, especially in a culture that often does not.

The New York Times

At the dawn of the democratic age, this was heady stuff, and so "glamour took shape as an enticing image of the fabulous life," which was theoretically — as Julien Sorel pondered in "The Red and the Black" — available to anyone.

The New York Times - Books

I myself was living in the era of "elasticised panty girdles" that could not be got out of or indeed into without an epic struggle, so this was heady stuff indeed.

The Guardian - Books

America, Europe, the Soviet Union: this was heady stuff for a lad who had once been banned from playing with the children of his more respectable neighbours because he was the dirtiest boy in the street.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This is heady company.

The New York Times

This is heady doctrine for a boxer.

The New Yorker

For a party so starved of good political news, this is heady stuff.

The Guardian - Opinion

All this is heady stuff, especially for a nation that was for so long synonymous with poverty and underdevelopment.

The New York Times

This is heady stuff for a woman who, after completing the New York University graduate acting program, was working as a hostess for a theater district restaurant in October.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was heady" to describe a situation that is exciting, overwhelming, and often positive, but be mindful of the context. It can sometimes sound slightly old-fashioned.

Common error

Avoid using "this was heady" in highly formal or academic writing. It's generally better suited for more casual or descriptive contexts. Consider alternatives such as "this was exhilarating" or "this was significant" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was heady" functions as a descriptive statement, expressing a subjective feeling or assessment of a past event or situation. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, often describing something exhilarating or overwhelming.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87.5%

Science

12.5%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this was heady" is a phrase used to describe an exhilarating, intoxicating, or overwhelming experience. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and generally used in neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. It is less common in formal or academic writing, where alternatives such as "this was exhilarating" might be more suitable. Be mindful of the context and the potential for the phrase to sound slightly old-fashioned. The related phrases provided offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments while adjusting the tone and formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was an exhilarating experience

Replaces "heady" with the more common "exhilarating" and adds "experience" for clarity.

it felt intoxicating

Focuses on the intoxicating aspect of the experience, using a simpler sentence structure.

it was overwhelmingly exciting

Emphasizes the overwhelming and exciting nature of the experience.

this was a thrilling time

Substitutes "heady" with "thrilling" and "stuff" with "time" to offer a more straightforward description.

the experience was elating

Uses the more formal "elating" to describe the uplifting effect of the experience.

it induced a state of euphoria

More clinical description of feeling high.

the sensation was mind-blowing

Emphasizes the intensity and impact of the sensation.

this was a momentous occasion

Highlights the significance and importance of the event.

it was a rush of adrenaline

Focuses on the physical sensation of excitement and energy.

this was an uplifting moment

Highlights the positive and inspiring nature of the experience.

FAQs

How can I use "this was heady" in a sentence?

Use "this was heady" to describe an experience or situation that is exhilarating or intoxicating. For example: "Achieving that milestone after years of hard work, "this was heady"."

What are some synonyms for "this was heady"?

Alternatives include: "this was exhilarating", "this was intoxicating", or "this was thrilling" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "this was heady" formal or informal?

"This was heady" leans towards being somewhat informal. While acceptable in many contexts, consider a more formal alternative like "this was exhilarating" or "this was significant" in academic or professional writing.

What does "this was heady" imply?

"This was heady" implies that the experience was exciting, perhaps overwhelming, and somewhat intoxicating. It suggests a feeling of exhilaration and a heightened state of emotion. Be mindful of using it in a context where the feeling is intended to be positive.