that was alright

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was alright" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something was acceptable or satisfactory, often in response to a situation or event. Example: "After the meeting, I felt that the discussion was productive, and overall, that was alright."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Eh.. that was alright.

Huffington Post

SEGA had Columns, a match-three puzzler that was alright, but nowhere close to the genuine killer-app status of the Game Boy-bundled blocks game from the other side of the Wall.

Vice

When he was knocked out by Golovkin last July, somehow that was alright too because, well, everybody gets knocked out by Golovkin.

The Guardian - Sport

She absolutely used the pictures every minute of the day and so that was alright — but the rooms lacked the prettiness and elegance they had and sometimes I minded it secretly.

The New Yorker

He memorably said in one interview that he wanted to be an industry leader and if that meant his kids using his picture in Utility Week as a dartboard, well that was alright with him.

Independent

She absolutely used the pictures every minute of the day and so that was alright — but the rooms lacked the prettiness and elegance they had and sometimes I minded it secretly..

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Ah yes, that's alright.

The New York Times - Arts

Tell the whole world that's alright".

The Guardian - Sport

But when Djokovic pushes an umpire out of the way that's alright?

The Guardian - Sport

Nah, that's alright.

Vice

And hey, that's alright with us.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider context when using "that was alright". It can sometimes come across as dismissive if used in a situation that warrants a more positive response.

Common error

Avoid using "that was alright" in formal or professional contexts where a more articulate or enthusiastic expression is expected. Opt for phrases like "that was satisfactory" or "that was acceptable" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was alright" serves as a subjective assessment, typically functioning as an adjective phrase complementing a past-tense verb. It describes the quality or state of something that has occurred, conveying a sense of acceptance without strong enthusiasm, as evidenced in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

18%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was alright" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a sense of mild satisfaction or acceptance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media, but should be used cautiously in formal settings where a more enthusiastic or professional tone is expected. Alternatives like "that was acceptable" or "that was satisfactory" may be more appropriate in such instances. While widely used, consider the specific context to avoid sounding dismissive or unenthusiastic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was acceptable

Indicates a level of acceptance, suggesting that something meets the required standards.

that was satisfactory

Emphasizes that something fulfilled expectations or needs adequately.

that was fine

Implies that something is adequate or meets the minimum requirements.

that was okay

Suggests a neutral assessment, indicating something is neither particularly good nor bad.

that was adequate

Highlights that something is sufficient but not exceptional.

that was passable

Conveys that something barely meets the required standard or expectation.

that will do

Suggests that something is sufficient for the current purpose, though not necessarily ideal.

that sufficed

Indicates something was enough to meet the need or requirement, often implying a minimal level.

that was up to par

Means something met the expected standard or usual level of performance.

that was good enough

Highlights that something is not perfect but still acceptable for a specific purpose.

FAQs

What does "that was alright" mean?

The phrase "that was alright" is used to express that something was acceptable or satisfactory, though not necessarily outstanding. It conveys a sense of mild approval or agreement.

What can I say instead of "that was alright"?

You can use alternatives such as "that was acceptable", "that was fine", or "that was okay" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "that was alright" in formal communication?

While grammatically correct, "that was alright" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, it's better to use more professional alternatives like "that was satisfactory" or "that was adequate".

How does the meaning of "that was alright" differ from "that was great"?

"That was alright" implies a moderate level of satisfaction, whereas "that was great" expresses strong approval or enjoyment. The former suggests something met expectations without exceeding them, while the latter indicates a highly positive experience.