that it was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that it was" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer back to a previous statement or to emphasize a particular situation or fact. Example: "I never expected that it was going to be such a challenging project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With that, it was settled.

The New York Times - Sports

After that, it was easy.

The New Yorker

After that, it was like noise torture.

Independent

After that, it was plain sailing.

The New York Times

On top of that, it was funny.

The New York Times - Books

Before that, it was Christian Lacroix.

The New York Times

Before that, it was "Harriet, the Spy".

The New Yorker

After that, it was a big story.

The New Yorker

After that, it was hit and miss.

The New York Times - Arts

That it was expendable.

The New Yorker

That it was.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that it was", consider whether a more concise phrasing could improve readability. For example, instead of "The report indicated that it was necessary", consider "The report indicated it was necessary".

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple "that it was" clauses within a single sentence, as it can make the sentence convoluted and difficult to follow. Break down complex sentences into simpler ones for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

"That it was" functions as a connective phrase, often introducing a subordinate clause that provides additional information or clarification about a preceding statement. This is consistent with Ludwig's examples, where it serves to link ideas and provide context within sentences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that it was" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed connective, predominantly found in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig, it serves to connect ideas by offering clarification or additional information. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse in complex sentences to maintain clarity. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "it turned out to be" or "it seemed to be", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was indeed

Adds emphasis to confirm a previous statement or expectation.

it turned out to be

Emphasizes the result or discovery of something's nature or state.

it proved to be

Focuses on the demonstration or verification of something.

it happened to be

Highlights the element of chance or coincidence.

it ended up being

Highlights the eventual outcome or result after a process.

it seemed to be

Indicates an appearance or impression rather than a definite fact.

it was eventually

Emphasizes the finality or conclusion of a situation.

it used to be

Refers to a past state or condition that no longer exists.

it could have been

Expresses a possibility or potential in the past.

it may have been

Suggests a degree of uncertainty about a past event or state.

FAQs

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

Use "that it was" to refer back to a previous statement or to clarify a situation. For example, "The initial assessment suggested a minor issue, but further investigation revealed "it turned out to be" a major problem".

What are some alternatives to "that it was"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "it seemed to be", "it proved to be", or simply "it was". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "that it was"?

Yes, "that it was" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. However, ensure that it is used appropriately within the sentence structure to maintain clarity.

What's the difference between "that it was" and "that it is"?

"That it was" refers to something in the past, while "that it is" refers to something in the present. For example, "I thought the project was complete, but the manager clarified "that it is" still ongoing".