that was great

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'that was great' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase in many different contexts. For example, you could write: "I really enjoyed the play - that was great!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Whew, boy, that was great.

Cornell University

"Oh, sir, that was great!

The New York Times - Books

HIM [Brightening again] Yeah, that was great.

The New York Times

"But listen, that was great TV.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Yeah, that was great fun.

BBC

Follow Sara Brolin on Twitter.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Wow, that's great.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Yeah, that's great coaching.

The New York Times - Sports

Thanks, that's great.

Yale University

Oh that's great!

BBC

That's great business.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing synonyms for "that was great"; opt for words that reflect specific qualities of the experience, such as "excellent" for higher quality or "amazing" for astonishment.

Common error

Avoid using "that was great" repeatedly in a short span. Vary your language to maintain engagement and provide a more nuanced expression of your feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was great" primarily functions as an exclamatory expression of approval or satisfaction regarding a past event or experience. Ludwig indicates this usage is grammatically sound and common across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was great" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to convey satisfaction or approval, as confirmed by Ludwig. While it is very common, its appropriateness varies depending on the context. It fits well in news, media, and informal settings, but more formal situations may benefit from more sophisticated alternatives like "that was excellent" or "that was remarkable". Remember to avoid overuse and consider diversifying your language to maintain engagement. Ludwig provides numerous real-world examples to illustrate effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was excellent

Indicates a higher degree of satisfaction or quality than "great".

that was wonderful

Emphasizes the positive and delightful nature of the experience.

that was superb

Suggests an outstanding or exceptional quality.

that was fantastic

Highlights the imaginative or remarkable aspect of the experience.

that was amazing

Expresses a sense of wonder or astonishment.

that was awesome

Conveys a feeling of admiration or excitement.

that was brilliant

Implies intelligence, skill, or ingenuity.

that was remarkable

Stresses the unusual or noteworthy nature of the experience.

that was delightful

Focuses on the pleasant and enjoyable aspect.

that was satisfying

Highlights the fulfillment of needs or expectations.

FAQs

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

You can use "that was great" to express satisfaction or approval after an event, performance, or experience. For example, "The concert was amazing, "that was great"!"

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

You can use alternatives like "that was excellent", "that was wonderful", or "that was amazing" depending on the context and the level of enthusiasm you want to convey.

Is "that was great" suitable for formal writing?

While "that was great" is generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for semi-formal or informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "that was remarkable" or "that was exceptional".

What's the difference between "that was great" and "that is great"?

"That was great" refers to something that happened in the past, expressing your satisfaction with a past event. "That is great" refers to something happening now or a general statement, indicating your current approval or agreement.