was great fun

USAGE SUMMARY

"was great fun" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are describing something enjoyable. For example: "The party we attended last night was great fun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Joel was great fun.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And it was great fun".

Independent

Episode three was great fun.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"That was great fun, that.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This goal was great fun.

The Guardian - Sport

And he was great fun".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But he relaxed and was great fun.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was great fun having him.

The New York Times

It was great fun to watch, though.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was great fun galloping about".

The New York Times - Books

It was great fun, even decades later.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was great fun" to describe activities or events that you found enjoyable and entertaining. Ensure the context makes it clear what you are referring to.

Common error

While "was great fun" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it repetitively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "was highly enjoyable" or "was a blast" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was great fun" functions as a subjective comment used to express that someone found something enjoyable or entertaining. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable. It serves to convey a positive feeling or assessment of an experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was great fun" is a common and grammatically sound way to express enjoyment or amusement regarding a past event or activity. According to Ludwig AI, its use is perfectly acceptable in written English. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts, with news and media being its most frequent domain. When aiming for more formal language, alternatives like "was highly enjoyable" might be preferable. Remember to vary your language to maintain reader engagement and avoid overuse of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was a lot of fun

A very similar phrase, simply adding "a lot of" for emphasis.

was highly enjoyable

Replaces "great fun" with a more formal term for enjoyment.

was a blast

Uses a more informal, American idiom to convey the same meaning.

was quite entertaining

Focuses on the entertainment value of the experience.

was an absolute joy

Emphasizes the positive emotional impact of the experience.

was thoroughly amusing

Emphasizes the humorous aspect of the experience.

was a delightful experience

Uses a more refined and appreciative tone.

was very pleasurable

Highlights the pleasant and satisfying nature of the experience.

was incredibly exciting

Shifts the focus to the thrilling nature of the experience.

was supremely gratifying

Highlights the fulfilling and rewarding aspect of the experience.

FAQs

How can I use "was great fun" in a sentence?

You can use "was great fun" to describe an experience you enjoyed. For example, "The party last night "was great fun"" or "Learning to surf "was great fun"."

What's a more formal alternative to "was great fun"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "was highly enjoyable" or "was quite entertaining". These options maintain a positive sentiment while sounding more sophisticated.

Is it appropriate to use "was great fun" in professional writing?

While "was great fun" is generally understood, it may be too informal for professional contexts. Opt for alternatives such as "was a delightful experience" or "was very pleasurable" in business communications.

What are some informal alternatives to "was great fun"?

Informal alternatives include "was a blast" or "was a lot of fun". These phrases are suitable for casual conversations and personal anecdotes.