that was before

USAGE SUMMARY

"that was before" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that happened in the past or when something used to be true or happen in the past but is no longer the case. For example, "I used to believe that I couldn't do anything right, but that was before I learned how to be confident in my abilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was before Gaffe-gate.

Independent

That was before Enron.

The New York Times

That was before cancer.

The New York Times

That was before clamping".

The Guardian - Books

That was before Thanksgiving.

The New Yorker

"That was before this".

The New Yorker

"But that was before.

The New York Times

"That was before 10x".

The New Yorker

That was before Amazon.

The New York Times - Magazine

And that was before lunch.

The New York Times

And that was before crack.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was before" to clearly indicate a change in circumstances or understanding, ensuring the context is evident to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "that was before" without providing sufficient context about what has changed or what the 'before' refers to, as this can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was before" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating a temporal relationship. It sets a point of reference in the past, implying a change or contrast with the present. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was before" serves as a temporal marker, drawing a distinction between a past situation and the present. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media. The phrase's purpose is to highlight a change or contrast, making it a versatile tool for clear communication. Remember to provide sufficient context when using "that was before" to ensure clarity, and consider similar phrases like "prior to that time" for alternative phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before that happened

Directly references a preceding event.

prior to that time

Emphasizes the temporal sequence, highlighting the period before a specific event.

in the time before

Focuses on the duration leading up to a certain point.

that predates

Highlights the chronological precedence of something.

at an earlier stage

Emphasizes a developmental or progressive context.

previously

A shorter, more formal adverb indicating an earlier time.

back then

Informal and indicates a specific time in the past known to both speaker and listener.

in earlier days

Implies a more distant past, often with nostalgic connotations.

beforehand

Indicates an action or state existing in advance of something else.

in the past

A general reference to a time before the present.

FAQs

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

Use "that was before" to highlight a change or contrast between a past state and the current situation. For example, "I used to dislike coffee, but "that was before" I discovered lattes".

What phrases are similar to "that was before"?

Alternatives include phrases like "prior to that time", "previously", or "before that happened", each offering a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Is "that was before" formal or informal?

"That was before" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "that was before" and "formerly"?

"That was before" emphasizes a specific change or event that altered a situation, while "formerly" simply indicates a past state or identity without necessarily implying a specific turning point.