was marvellous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was marvellous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was wonderful or impressive in the past. Example: "The performance last night was marvellous, leaving the audience in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Arts

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Einstein's response was marvellous.

The New Yorker

It was marvellous, really.

The Guardian - Books

But the view was marvellous.

The Guardian - Travel

I thought that was marvellous!

The Guardian

If something was marvellous, it was "mawveless".

The New Yorker

It was marvellous to be free.

The New Yorker

If something was marvellous, it was "_maw_veless".

The New Yorker

Not everyone thought it was marvellous.

The Guardian - Sport

"She was marvellous when winning at Goodwood.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mina was marvellous-looking — the actress Maggie Smith was usually mentioned by those describing her — and she wore marvellous clothes.

The New Yorker

It was marvellous, better than I expected.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was marvellous" to describe past experiences or events that evoked a strong sense of wonder, admiration, or delight. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was marvellous" too frequently in very informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or affected. Opt for more casual synonyms like "was great" or "was awesome" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was marvellous" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, specifically a predicate adjective. It modifies a subject by ascribing a quality of exceptional excellence or delight to it. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples where "was marvellous" describes events, performances, or qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Arts

7%

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was marvellous" serves as a potent and positive descriptor, best used to convey a strong sense of admiration or delight for past events or qualities. Ludwig AI shows the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various sources, including news, sports, and literature. While versatile, remember to reserve this phrase for contexts where its elevated tone is appropriate, opting for more casual synonyms in informal settings. By considering these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "was marvellous" into your writing to add sophistication and express genuine appreciation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was wonderful

Replaces "marvellous" with a more common synonym, maintaining the positive connotation.

was fantastic

Substitutes "marvellous" with a slightly more informal synonym, still expressing high approval.

was extraordinary

Replaces "marvellous" with a more emphatic term, highlighting exceptional quality.

was amazing

Uses a more contemporary and informal synonym for "marvellous".

was remarkable

Emphasizes the noteworthy or exceptional nature of something, similar to "marvellous".

was impressive

Highlights the skill or quality that evokes admiration, similar to "marvellous".

was delightful

Conveys a sense of great pleasure and enjoyment, akin to "marvellous".

was splendid

Replaces "marvellous" with a more formal and elegant synonym.

was sublime

Uses a term suggesting elevated beauty or excellence, similar in impact to "marvellous".

was exceptional

Focuses on the deviation from the norm in a positive way, like "marvellous".

FAQs

How can I use "was marvellous" in a sentence?

You can use "was marvellous" to describe something from the past that you found wonderful, impressive, or delightful. For example, "The concert last night "was marvellous"" or "Her performance in the play "was marvellous"".

What can I say instead of "was marvellous"?

You can use alternatives like "was wonderful", "was fantastic", or "was amazing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was marvelous" instead of "was marvellous"?

Yes, "was marvelous" is also correct. "Marvelous" is the American English spelling, while "marvellous" is the British English spelling. Both are acceptable, but consistency within your writing is key.

What's the difference between "was marvellous" and "was good"?

"Was good" is a general term for something satisfactory or acceptable. "Was marvellous" implies something was exceptionally pleasing, impressive, or wonderful. "Was marvellous" conveys a stronger, more enthusiastic sentiment than "was good".