that transpired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that transpired" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to events or occurrences that have taken place, often in a narrative or recounting context. Example: "The meeting was intense, and many important decisions were made about the future of the project, but I still can't believe everything that transpired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Based on everything that transpired for the whole year.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Halevy acknowledged that he could not remember everything that transpired.

The New York Times

More surprising than the losing streak were the events that transpired during its course.

The New York Times - Sports

The arrest had nothing to do with anything that transpired at T.I.B.C., Stewart believed.

The New Yorker

But one cannot have amnesia about something that transpired before one's birth.

The New York Times

Here is the conversation that transpired afterward: WOMAN: Oh my god you killed a baby.

The New Yorker

Here is the author's account of the conversation that transpired: " 'O.K., listen, is he wearing glasses?' He was.

The New York Times - Books

The sexual contact that transpired fell short of intercourse and was entirely consensual, according to the countersuit.

The New York Times

"This thing that has happened in Dallas, it was not because of something that transpired in Minnesota today," she said.

The Guardian

In this way, Space Oddity was a sort of soundtrack to the milestone events that transpired that summer.

The Guardian - Music

And heavy emotions were flowing, jokes were made backstage that transpired upon the stage, and it was ugly.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clear, neutral language in news reports or summaries, "that transpired" serves as an effective connector linking events to their background or consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "that transpired" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious. Simpler alternatives like "that happened" or "that occurred" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that transpired" functions as a relative clause, specifically an adjective clause, modifying a noun (usually "events", "conversation", etc.) by providing more information about it. It indicates which specific events are being referred to, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that transpired" is a relative clause used to describe past events, offering a slightly formal tone. It's grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media, as confirmed by Ludwig. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts where formality and narrative depth are desired, such as reports or formal accounts. Remember that using simpler alternatives like "that happened" can be more appropriate in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that occurred

This alternative is more direct and common, suitable for most contexts.

that took place

This alternative is slightly more formal than "that happened" but less formal than "that transpired".

that happened

This alternative is the simplest and most informal way to express the same meaning.

that developed

This alternative focuses on the process of events unfolding over time.

that unfolded

This alternative emphasizes the gradual revelation of events.

that evolved

This alternative emphasizes the gradual change and progression of events.

that ensued

This alternative implies that the events followed as a consequence of something else.

that came to pass

This alternative is more literary and somewhat archaic.

that materialized

This alternative suggests the events became real or concrete.

that presented itself

This alternative suggests the events appeared or became evident.

FAQs

What does "that transpired" mean?

The phrase "that transpired" means something that happened or occurred. It's often used to describe events, conversations, or occurrences, typically in a narrative or formal context.

What can I say instead of "that transpired"?

You can use alternatives like "that occurred", "that happened", or "that took place" depending on the context. The best choice depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "that transpired" formal?

Yes, "that transpired" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "that happened" or "that occurred". It's suitable for professional writing, news reports, and narrative accounts where a slightly elevated tone is appropriate.

How to use "that transpired" in a sentence?

You can use "that transpired" to connect a preceding noun or event to a description of what happened. For example, "The report detailed the events "that transpired" during the meeting." Ensure the context aligns with the phrase's formal tone.