that once thrived

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that once thrived" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was previously successful or flourishing but is no longer in that state. Example: "The abandoned town was a shadow of its former self, a place that once thrived with bustling markets and lively streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Dotterels, snow bunting and other rare birds that once thrived are disappearing.

The Guardian - Travel

But, equally, it is difficult to conceive of a system less likely to encourage free-thinking and collaboration in a company that once thrived on those very attributes.

The Economist

In many ways, the advertising business in the early twenty-first century would be unrecognizable to the generation that once thrived on Madison Avenue.

The New Yorker

The most prominent is the statue of King Entemena, the oldest known representation of a monarch from the ancient civilizations that once thrived in Mesopotamia.

The New York Times

There are few areas where evidence of ancient state-size power exists (mainly in the 2,000-year-old 2,000-year-old 2,000-year-old threlicsalofg the Ohio, TennesocietiesMississippi Rivers).

The New York Times - Arts

If Gottfried and the Wolfpack can add to that trophy case, they will no doubt revive the old rivalries with Duke and North Carolina that once thrived in the Triangle.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Hot gItls DJ-ing R&B and garage all nigh—what's not exciting about that?" Follow John Luculturethatter.

Vice

This would indicate that the island natives were the last remnants of a cult religion that had once thrived on Asia's mainland.

Wikipedia

The city that was once thriving with middle-wage earning blue-collar workers is now home to frightening statistics on homeless, joblessness, and poverty.

Huffington Post

The land that he says once thrived with an abundance of crops that fed his family and provided their livelihood has been stripped bare.

The New York Times

Proponents of the wolf reintroduction say that wolves, which once thrived in Yellowstone but went extinct in the 1920s, control the elk population, in turn allowing native plants and smaller animals to flourish.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a community or ecosystem, using "that once thrived" can highlight the impact of specific events or changes that led to its decline.

Common error

Avoid using "that once thrived" simply as a decorative phrase. Ensure that the subsequent text provides specific details about what caused the decline or change from its thriving state. Without context, the phrase can sound cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that once thrived" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun, describing a state of past success or prosperity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical structure and usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Science & Research

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that once thrived" effectively conveys a past state of success or flourishing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a relative clause and is grammatically correct, commonly appearing in News & Media and Academic contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to provide sufficient context to avoid clichés. Alternatives such as "which previously flourished" or "that formerly prospered" can be used for variety, while maintaining a similar meaning. Overall, "that once thrived" is a useful phrase for highlighting a contrast between past and present states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which used to flourish

Uses a more common expression to indicate past thriving.

which previously flourished

Substitutes "once thrived" with a word that highlights vigorous growth and development.

that formerly prospered

Replaces "once thrived" with a more formal term, emphasizing economic success.

that had previously boomed

Emphasizes a period of rapid growth and success before a decline.

that once boomed

Implies a period of sudden economic success and growth in the past.

that historically prospered

Highlights the long-term success of something.

that had a prosperous past

Highlights the past prosperity of a place or entity.

that in the past was successful

Replaces "thrived" with a simpler, more direct expression of past success.

which enjoyed a golden age

Implies a period of great prosperity and achievement.

that formerly did well

A simplified way to indicate past success or prosperity.

FAQs

How can I use "that once thrived" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to describe something that was previously successful or flourishing but is no longer so. For example, "The abandoned town was a shadow of its former self, a place "that once thrived" with bustling markets and lively streets".

What are some alternatives to "that once thrived"?

Alternatives include "which previously flourished", "that formerly prospered", or "which used to flourish", all of which convey a similar sense of past success.

Is "that once thrived" formal or informal?

The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding vocabulary and tone. It's commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and general writing.

What is the difference between "that once thrived" and "that still thrives"?

"That once thrived" describes something that was successful in the past but is no longer so, while "that still thrives" indicates ongoing success and prosperity. The former implies a decline or change, while the latter suggests continuity.