was pretty high

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was pretty high" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level or degree of something that is notably elevated or significant, often in informal contexts. Example: "The temperature was pretty high during the summer months, making it uncomfortable to be outside for long periods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"My frustration was pretty high".

The New York Times

Turnout was pretty high.

The New York Times - Magazine

"There was pretty high electronic sound last time," she said.

The New Yorker

Feeling was pretty high, but it gradually eased off".

The Guardian

My phone bill was pretty high, but it was worth it".

Independent

"The training went well but the standard was pretty high out there.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Goldfarb's idea of dessert was pretty high-church.

The New Yorker

He said that one was pretty high-profile.

TechCrunch

It's pretty high.

The New York Times

"The stakes are pretty high.

Independent

That's pretty high".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was pretty high" when you want to convey that something reached a noticeably elevated level in an informal or conversational tone. For a more formal context, consider alternatives like "was significantly elevated".

Common error

Avoid using "was pretty high" in formal reports or academic papers. This phrase is generally considered too casual for such settings. Opt for more precise and professional language to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was pretty high" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun or subject to indicate a significant level or degree. It is often used to convey that something reached a level that is noticeably elevated or intense. Ludwig AI validates this by confirming its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was pretty high" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something reached a notably elevated level or degree. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, though more prevalent in news and media. While versatile, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "was considerably elevated" in academic or professional settings. When aiming for a conversational tone and conveying a noticeable level, "was pretty high" serves as a concise and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was considerably elevated

Replaces "pretty" with "considerably", increasing the degree of elevation.

was significantly above average

Uses a statistical term to indicate a high value relative to the norm.

reached a substantial level

Focuses on the attainment of a high level, implying a process or progression.

registered a notable increase

Implies a measured increase, suitable for quantifiable data.

stood at a remarkable height

Emphasizes the height, making it suitable for physical measurements or metaphorical high points.

was unusually intense

Shifts the focus to intensity, implying a strong or extreme degree.

was remarkably steep

Suggests a sharp or rapid incline, implying a quick rise to a high level.

was at an impressive peak

Highlights the achievement of a maximum point or high degree.

soared to great heights

Emphasizes a rapid and dramatic increase to a high position or level.

was extraordinarily acute

Suggests a sharp or severe intensity, often used for pain or perception.

FAQs

What does "was pretty high" mean?

The phrase "was pretty high" indicates that something reached a notably elevated level or degree. The exact meaning depends on the context, but it generally implies a significant amount or intensity.

What are some alternatives to "was pretty high"?

You can use alternatives like "was considerably elevated", "was significantly above average", or "reached a substantial level" depending on the context and desired formality.

Is it appropriate to use "was pretty high" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "was pretty high" is generally too informal for academic writing. More suitable alternatives include "was significantly elevated" or "reached a considerable degree".

How can I use "was pretty high" in a sentence?

You can use "was pretty high" to describe various things, such as: "The temperature was pretty high today", "The cost of living was pretty high in that city", or "The level of difficulty was pretty high for the students".