that was constructive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was constructive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something, such as feedback or a discussion, was helpful and contributed positively to a situation. Example: "During the meeting, I appreciated the feedback from my colleagues; that was constructive and helped me improve my project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Why didn't any one of them speak up and try to stop it?" Judge Berman said he wanted to impose a sentence that was "constructive" and would provide a measure of closure — "though I don't know how the Clementis will ever get closure," he said.

The New York Times

"Smoking cannabis helped me deal with the emotions in a way that was constructive instead of destructive.

Vice

"That was constructive.

The Guardian

"I heard what Robbie Savage said and that was constructive criticism," said Wilshere.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The current arrangement deserves criticism, but criticism that is constructive.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There's criticism that is constructive and criticism that is just mean.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The Scottish Parliament needs a main opposition party that is constructive yet challenging.

Independent

It's well past time for lawmaking that's constructive, not destructive, if Congress is to deserve its paycheck.

The New York Times

THE government of Kazakhstan divides political parties into those that are "constructive"—that is, pro-government and those that are "radical".

The Economist

But he's also very centered, and his impulse is to focus on what we do next and how we respond in a way that's constructive".

The New York Times

"No matter how much consciousness rap brings, no matter how many cuts there are that are constructive, what really drives it is that thug pose, that iconography.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was constructive" to positively reinforce specific actions, feedback, or discussions that lead to tangible improvements or progress.

Common error

Avoid using "that was constructive" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated language might be expected. Alternatives such as "that proved beneficial" or "that yielded positive results" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was constructive" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a positive quality to a previous action, comment, or event. It's used to express that something has contributed positively to a situation, aligning with Ludwig's assessment of correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was constructive" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to positively reinforce valuable contributions. While generally appropriate, it might be perceived as slightly informal for highly formal settings, where alternatives like "that proved beneficial" could be more suitable. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is used correctly and effectively. Its primary function is to acknowledge and validate helpful actions or feedback, encouraging similar behavior. Its occurrence is more frequent in news and media contexts. Remember to consider the specific context and audience when using this phrase to ensure the tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that contributed positively

Uses a more general term to indicate a positive effect.

that proved beneficial

Replaces "constructive" with a synonym emphasizing the positive outcome.

that had a favorable impact

Focuses on the effect of the action or feedback.

that yielded positive results

Focuses on the results achieved, rather than the process.

that offered valuable input

Highlights the helpful contribution made.

that turned out well

Indicates a successful or positive result in a simpler way.

that served a useful purpose

Emphasizes the utility and function of the action.

that helped improve the situation

Directly states that the situation was made better.

that provided a solid foundation

Focuses on the establishment of a base for progress.

that fostered growth

Highlights the element of development and progression.

FAQs

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

You can use "that was constructive" to describe feedback, a meeting, or an action that contributed positively to a situation. For example: "The feedback I received on my presentation was invaluable; "that was constructive" and helped me improve significantly."

What are some alternatives to saying "that was constructive"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that proved beneficial", "that was helpful", or "that contributed positively", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "that was constructive" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "that was constructive" might be perceived as slightly informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using alternatives such as "that proved beneficial" or "that yielded positive results" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "that was constructive" and "that was helpful"?

While both phrases indicate a positive contribution, "that was constructive" often implies a more deliberate and structured approach to improvement, whereas "that was helpful" is a more general term for assistance or aid.