all that was required

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all that was required" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that only a specific action or condition was necessary to achieve a desired outcome. Example: "After reviewing the project, it was clear that all that was required was a simple adjustment to the design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Having received citizenship in 2004, he did all that was required to make him eligible.

Vice

Three-dimensional games were generally more technically demanding than two-dimensional ones, and few players appreciated all that was required to make isometric 3D work on a simple machine like the Spectrum.

Vice

For decades, a bachelor's degree was all that was required to become a pharmacist.

The New York Times - Health

"N.H.T.S.A. looked at the adequacy of our filings and with the exception of seven documents that Ford didn't produce, it found that we produced all that was required.

The New York Times

Although Markham cast doubts on her seaworthiness (perhaps to thwart Borchgrevink's departure), the ship fulfilled all that was required of her in Antarctic waters.

Wikipedia

Outnumbered and faced with very vocal opposition, the Golden Dawn protestors opted for a large cab (all that was required for their meager turnout) rather than going to all the trouble of marching across town.

Vice

All that was required was some ingenuity.

The New Yorker

One run was all that was required.

The Guardian - Sport

All that was required from there was nerve.

The Guardian - Sport

All that was required was to vanquish the enemy.

The New Yorker

Once nimbleness and throwing accuracy were all that was required.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "all that was required", ensure the context clearly specifies what condition or action fulfilled the requirement. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid embedding "all that was required" within overly complex sentence structures. Simpler constructions often improve readability and emphasize the key requirement more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all that was required" typically functions as a predicate nominative or a subject complement. It identifies or describes the subject of a sentence, indicating what was necessary or sufficient in a given situation. Ludwig AI examples show this across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "all that was required" is a versatile and commonly used expression in the English language. It serves to identify the minimum necessary conditions or actions for a specific outcome. Grammatically correct and adaptable to various registers, from formal to informal, this phrase appears frequently in news, science, and general knowledge contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and broad applicability, suggesting that while it's essential to ensure clarity and avoid overuse in complex sentences, its consistent usage and clear meaning make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all that was necessary

Substitutes "required" with "necessary", offering a direct synonym.

nothing more was needed

Highlights the sufficiency of the action by stating that no additional actions were necessary.

all that it took

Replaces "was required" with a more active voice, focusing on the action taken.

just that was needed

Focuses on the singular aspect of the necessity.

the sole requirement

Highlights that only one condition or action was needed.

that's all it took

Informal phrasing that emphasizes the simplicity of what was needed.

the only thing needed

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the requirement, highlighting it as the sole necessity.

all that was asked

Replaces "required" with "asked", softening the tone and emphasizing a request.

all that it demanded

Uses "demanded" to convey a stronger sense of imperative.

the minimum requirement

Focuses on the least amount necessary to fulfill a condition.

FAQs

How can I use "all that was required" in a sentence?

Use "all that was required" to indicate that a specific action, condition, or resource was sufficient for achieving a particular outcome. For example, "All that was required was a signature on the document."

What are some alternatives to "all that was required"?

You can use alternatives like "all that was necessary", "all that was needed", or "the only thing needed" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "all that was required" or "all that was needed"?

"All that was required" is generally considered slightly more formal than "all that was needed", but both are acceptable in most contexts. The choice depends on the overall tone and style of your writing.

Can I use "all that is required" instead of "all that was required"?

Yes, you can use "all that is required" when referring to a present or ongoing requirement. "All that was required" refers to a requirement in the past.