that was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that occurred in the past or to provide clarification about a previous statement. Example: "I remember the day we went hiking; that was one of the best experiences of my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That was Alastair, that was.

Independent

"That was Boston, that was Indy Center.

The New York Times

All that was gone.

Independent

Yes, that was better.

The New Yorker

Jeez, that was nice!

The New Yorker

"That was him, that was Brett Linley".

BBC

That was shocking; that was unworthy.

The New Yorker

"That was there and that was prevalent.

Independent

That was about all that was stirring.

The New York Times

Sometimes that was rape.

The New Yorker

That was the overture.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was" to clearly refer to a specific event, situation, or statement that has already been mentioned, ensuring clarity and coherence in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "that was" when referring to something that is still ongoing or true in the present. Use "that is" instead for current states or facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was" functions primarily as a declarative statement, indicating a fact or observation about something in the past. Ludwig AI examples show it's often used to provide context or commentary on previous events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to refer to past events, states, or information. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability, particularly within news and media contexts. When using "that was", ensure the tense aligns with the intended meaning and avoid its application to current or ongoing situations. Consider alternatives like "it used to be" or "that is how it went" depending on the context. Remember, while versatile, appropriate tense and clarity are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's what occurred

Focuses on the fact that something took place, often in response to an inquiry.

it used to be

Focuses on a state or condition that existed in the past but no longer does.

that existed

Simply states the presence or reality of something in the past.

it happened then

Highlights the occurrence of an event at a specific point in the past.

such was the case

Highlights the reality or situation at a particular time in the past.

that is how it went

Emphasizes the sequence of events and the unfolding of a situation.

that transpired

More formal way to indicate something happened, often with a sense of mystery or intrigue.

it unfolded like this

Emphasizes the step-by-step progression of events.

it resulted in

Draws attention to the outcome or consequence of a previous action or state.

it came to pass

More formal and literary way of saying something happened.

FAQs

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

"That was" is used to refer to something that happened in the past. For instance, you might say, "I remember that day; "that was" the day we met."

What is a more formal alternative to "that was"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "such was the case" or "that transpired" for a more formal tone.

Is "that was" grammatically correct?

Yes, "that was" is grammatically correct. It uses the past tense of the verb "to be" and is appropriate for describing past events or states.

How does "that was" differ from "that is"?

"That was" refers to something in the past, while "that is" refers to something in the present. For example, ""that was" my favorite song" (past) versus "that is my favorite song" (present).