it was a place of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a place of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a location that holds a specific significance or characteristic, often followed by a noun that indicates what that place represents or embodies. Example: "In the heart of the city, it was a place of refuge for those seeking solace from the bustling streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

At the time, "it was a place of opportunity," Mr. Seaga contended in an interview.

The New York Times

It was a place of its own".

Vice

It was a place of the time, and its demise was too soon.

Vice

But it was a place of tears.

Independent

It was a place of stalwart optimism.

Independent

"It was a place of refuge.

The Guardian - Books

It was a place of turbulent cosmopolitanism.

The New Yorker

Then, it was a place of secrets.

The Guardian - Music

It was a place of dreams".

The New York Times

"It was a place of meeting between heaven and earth.

The New York Times

It was a place of chinos and strong handshakes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was a place of" to evoke a sense of history or past significance. This phrase is effective for describing how a location was perceived or used in the past.

Common error

While useful, avoid using "it was a place of" excessively in your writing. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "it served as" or "it functioned as" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a place of" functions as a descriptive element, characterizing a location by its defining attributes or the activities that occurred there. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Examples show it describing places of opportunity, refuge, tears, or dreams.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was a place of" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe the defining characteristics or historical significance of a location. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When employing this phrase, remember to consider the specific qualities you wish to emphasize and avoid overuse by varying your sentence structure. Consider alternatives like "it served as" or "it became known for" to enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it functioned as a hub of

Replaces "place" with "hub" and uses "functioned" to emphasize the role of the location.

it served as a center for

Replaces "place" with "center", highlighting its central role in an activity or characteristic.

it became known for

Focuses on the reputation or common perception of the location.

it was characterized by

Emphasizes the defining features and qualities of the location.

it embodied an atmosphere of

Focuses on the atmosphere or feeling that the location evoked.

it was renowned as a haven for

Highlights the location's reputation as a safe or desirable place.

it was the site of

Identifies the location as the setting for a specific event or activity.

it was the home of

Indicates that the location was where something or someone originated or resided.

it operated as a space for

Emphasizes the function and purpose of the location.

it represented the epitome of

Suggests that the location was the perfect example or embodiment of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it was a place of" in a sentence?

You can use "it was a place of" to describe a location's primary characteristic or function in the past. For instance, "The library "it was a place of" quiet study and reflection".

What can I say instead of "it was a place of"?

You can use alternatives like "it served as", "it functioned as", or "it became known for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it was a place of refuge" or "it was a refuge"?

"It was a place of refuge" is more descriptive, emphasizing the qualities of the place. "It was a refuge" is shorter but may lack detail. The choice depends on the level of detail needed.

What's the difference between "it was a place of" and "it is a place of"?

"It was a place of" refers to a past condition or characteristic, while "it is a place of" refers to a present condition. For example, ""it was a place of" tranquility" describes a past state, whereas "it is a place of tranquility" describes a present state.