that was done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was done" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to something that was done in the past. For example, "The research project that was done last year yielded interesting results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

In effect that was done here.

Cornell University

Chain of events type of investigation that was done previously.

The New York Times - Sports

"And when that was done I was done".

The New Yorker

"The rule that was done very recently makes complete sense.

The New York Times

"They said everything that was done before was wrong.

Independent

First blip: hair that was done to look undone.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

How can that be done?

The New York Times

There is nothing that is done halfway.

Stanford University

How would that be done?

The Guardian - Tech

"There, that's done," he said, rescabbarding.

Forbes

BILL: No, that's done.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was done" to maintain a passive voice, which can be useful in situations where you want to de-emphasize the actor or focus on the action itself.

Common error

Avoid unnecessarily switching to active voice when passive voice is more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "They did the research", consider "The research that was done" to keep the focus on the research itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was done" functions as a relative clause using passive voice, typically modifying a noun to describe an action completed in the past. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness, offering numerous examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was done" is a grammatically correct and widely used passive construction, particularly in news and academic writing. Ludwig AI's analysis and examples demonstrate its versatility in describing completed actions and states. While versatile, it's important to use active voice appropriately and adapt your vocabulary based on the specific context. Remember to consider alternatives like "it was completed" for a more formal tone, or simpler phrases like "it's finished" in casual settings. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing and enhance its clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was completed

Focuses specifically on the act of finishing something.

it has been executed

Implies a plan or task was carried out, often with precision.

it is finished

Indicates a state of completion, often with a sense of finality.

it was achieved

Highlights the successful attainment of a goal or objective.

it was performed

Emphasizes the act of carrying out a specific action or task.

it was accomplished

Emphasizes successfully completing something, often with effort.

it was enacted

Highlights that a law or rule has been implemented.

it was fulfilled

Implies that a requirement or promise has been met.

the action was taken

Focuses on the act of initiating an action.

the task was realized

Suggests that the task was not only completed but became a reality.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that was done" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it was completed" or "it was accomplished", depending on the specific context. These alternatives often add a level of sophistication suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is "that was done" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "that was done" is perfectly acceptable in academic writing, especially when the actor is unknown or unimportant. For instance, "The experiment that was done showed significant results."

What are some alternatives to "that was done" in casual conversation?

In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "it's finished" or "it's over" might be more appropriate. The choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

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

"That was done" refers to a past action, whereas "that is done" refers to an action that is currently completed or a general state of being. For example, "The report that was done last week" versus "That is done according to protocol."