"It was hell." vs "It was hellish."

Question

"It was hell." vs "It was hellish."

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'It was hell' is a common expression used to convey a very difficult or unpleasant situation, while 'it was hellish' means something that is like hell or resembles hell in some way.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

This phrase is used to describe a situation that was extremely challenging, unpleasant, or distressing.

Examples:

Dealing with that project deadline was hell.
Going through a breakup can feel like it was hell.
The traffic on the way to work this morning was hell.
Studying for the exam felt like it was hell.
Living in that noisy neighborhood was hell.

Alternatives:

it was a nightmare.
it was awful.
it was torture.
it was unbearable.
it was a living hell.

This phrase is used to describe a situation, place, or experience that is reminiscent of hell or has qualities similar to hell.

Examples:

The heat in the desert was hellish.
The noise coming from the construction site was hellish.
The smell in the garbage dump was hellish.
The atmosphere in the crowded subway was hellish.
The conditions in the refugee camp were hellish.

Alternatives:

it was like hell.
it was infernal.
it was diabolical.
it was nightmarish.
it was demonic.

Answer 1

It was hell.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a very difficult or unpleasant situation.

Answer 2

It was hellish.

This phrase is correct and used to describe something that is like hell or resembles hell in some way.

"It was hell." vs "It was hellish."

It was hell.

It was hellish.

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