that was interesting

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "that was interesting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that something has caught your attention or to demonstrate appreciation. For example: "I recently read an article about the history of pie - that was interesting.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If there were something in the world that was interesting, it interested Mailer.

Huffington Post

Wow that was interesting.

The New York Times

Well, uh, that was interesting.

The New Yorker

In some ways, that was interesting.

The New Yorker

He said: "Yes, that was interesting.

The New York Times

I feel like, "OK, well that was interesting.

The Guardian

Photograph: ELSA/GETTY IMAGES Well, uh, that was interesting.

The New Yorker

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) Well, uh, that was interesting.

The New Yorker

A Reith lecture that was interesting and on the money.

The Guardian

For me, that was interesting, how the whole thing shines".

The New York Times

Tables outside, and some Italians came, and you felt you were seeing something that was interesting.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "that was interesting" with a clarifying statement to provide context or detail about what specifically you found intriguing.

Common error

While "that was interesting" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in formal writing or presentations. Opt for more specific and descriptive language to convey your interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was interesting" serves as an interjection or comment expressing the speaker's reaction to something. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. It can function as a standalone statement or introduce further commentary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was interesting" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express mild interest, intrigue, or acknowledgment. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, although more descriptive language might be preferable in formal settings. The phrase is particularly prevalent in news and media sources. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of overuse and to consider alternatives like "that was fascinating" or "that was intriguing" to convey nuances of interest more precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

That was fascinating

Emphasizes the captivating or deeply engaging nature of something, suggesting a higher degree of interest.

That was intriguing

Suggests a mysterious or fascinating quality that piques curiosity more strongly than simple interest.

That was useful

Focuses on the practical value or helpfulness of something, shifting the emphasis from simple interest to utility.

That was worthwhile

Indicates that something was worth the time or effort spent, implying a positive outcome beyond simple interest.

That was valuable

Highlights the worth or importance of something, suggesting a more significant impact than simple interest.

That was amusing

Highlights the humorous or entertaining aspect of something, focusing on enjoyment rather than intellectual interest.

That was advantageous

Focuses on the benefits or positive consequences derived from something, moving away from pure interest.

That was attractive

Indicates appeal or charm, focusing on aesthetic or pleasing qualities rather than intellectual interest.

That was benefiting

The sentence "that was benefiting" is ungrammatical. It should be "that was beneficial"

That was interested

The sentence "that was interested" is ungrammatical. It should be "that was interesting".

FAQs

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

You can use "that was interesting" as a standalone phrase to acknowledge something you've heard or witnessed, or you can follow it with a clause explaining what you found interesting. For example, "That was interesting; I hadn't thought of it that way before."

What's the difference between "that was interesting" and "that was fascinating"?

"That was interesting" expresses a mild level of intrigue or curiosity, while "that was fascinating" implies a stronger sense of captivation or deep engagement.

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

You can use alternatives like "that was intriguing", "that was noteworthy", or "that was remarkable" depending on the context and the level of interest you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "that was interesting" in a formal setting?

While generally acceptable, using more descriptive language might be preferable in formal settings. Instead of saying "that was interesting", you could say something like "that was a particularly insightful observation" or "that raises some thought-provoking points".