it was that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was that" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is true and often to introduce the reason or explanation for something. For example: "I knew it was going to rain; it was that low, ominous cloud on the horizon that tipped me off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was that loud.

The New York Times - Sports

It was that close.

The New York Times

"It was that simple".

The New York Times

It was that bad".

The New York Times

It was that cold.

The New York Times

It was that glorious.

The New York Times - Sports

It was that long ago.

The New Yorker

It was that same laugh".

The New York Times

"It was that far away".

The New York Times - Arts

It was that roller coaster".

The New York Times - Sports

Yes, it was that serious.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was that" to provide a concise explanation or emphasize the intensity of a preceding statement. Ensure the connection between the two parts of the sentence is clear and logical.

Common error

Avoid using "it was that" in overly complex or convoluted sentences. It works best when the statement being emphasized is relatively simple and direct. Overuse can lead to a sentence that feels clunky and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was that" functions as a connector or emphatic marker, linking a previous statement to an explanation or intensification. Examples in Ludwig show its use to highlight a quality, circumstance, or result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was that" is a versatile tool for emphasis and explanation, frequently encountered in news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its function as a connector, providing clarity or intensifying a statement. While generally neutral in register, it's best used in simple sentences to avoid a clunky feel. Remember to use "it was that" to create a clear and logical connection between ideas, ensuring your writing remains both impactful and easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's what it was

Offers a direct confirmation or identification of a previous statement.

that's the way it was

Highlights the established or customary nature of a past situation.

the situation was that

Directly states the circumstances or conditions at a particular time.

that's how it was

Reverses the emphasis, focusing on the manner or state rather than a specific detail.

it simply was that

Adds emphasis to the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the situation.

it happened that way

Shifts focus to the manner in which events unfolded.

it just was that

Implies inevitability or a lack of alternative possibilities.

it turned out that

Emphasizes the unexpected or surprising nature of the outcome.

that's all there was to it

Indicates the lack of further explanation or complexity to a situation.

it so happened that

Highlights the coincidental nature of an event or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "it was that" in a sentence?

Use "it was that" to emphasize a quality or explain a preceding statement. For example, "The music was incredibly loud; "it was that" the windows were vibrating."

What phrases are similar to "it was that"?

Similar phrases include "that's how it was", "that's the way it was", or "that's what it was" depending on the context.

Is there a more formal alternative to "it was that"?

While "it was that" is generally acceptable, a more formal alternative might be "the situation was such that" or "the circumstances were that". Using "the situation was that" can convey a similar meaning in a more professional setting.

Can "it was that" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically possible, it's more common and natural to use "it was that" to follow the statement being emphasized, rather than introducing it. For example, "It was that cold is less common than saying, 'It was incredibly cold; it was that the lake froze over in one night.'