that was real

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was real" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to affirm the authenticity or truth of an experience or situation that has occurred in the past. Example: "After the intense rollercoaster ride, I turned to my friend and said, 'Wow, that was real!'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At least that was real.

The New Yorker

"Wow," said one, "that was real".

The New York Times

Honoring Daniel, that was real special".

The New York Times

That was trust, that was intimacy, that was real connection.

The New York Times

"They put me through something that was real stressful.

The New York Times - Sports

He recommended someone's else stuff that was real close.

The New Yorker

As a result, Britain had an innovation malaise that was real, but curable.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It felt good to have some work that was real," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yeah, that was real smooth.

HuffPost

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Vice

But we needed to set a standard that was real.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was real" to affirm the authenticity or genuine nature of a past event or feeling, particularly when contrasting it with something perceived as artificial or fake.

Common error

While "that was real" is perfectly acceptable in informal conversation and news media, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "that was authentic" or "that was genuine" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was real" primarily functions as a declarative statement, affirming the truth or genuineness of a past event or experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a straightforward way to emphasize authenticity. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in various narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

13%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that was real" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to affirm the authenticity or genuineness of a past experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is particularly suitable for informal contexts, news reporting, and situations where emphasizing the truthfulness of something is desired. While versatile, it's recommended to use more formal alternatives like "that was genuine" or "that was authentic" in academic or professional settings. Common usage patterns show that it appears predominantly in News & Media, Wiki and Academia, making it a reliable way to express sincerity in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was genuine

Focuses on the sincerity and truthfulness of something.

that was authentic

Emphasizes the originality and lack of fabrication.

that was for real

Adds emphasis to the truthfulness of the event.

that was the real deal

Highlights that something was not a fake or imitation.

it really happened

Rephrases the sentiment to emphasize the occurrence of an event.

that actually happened

Highlights the fact that something truly occurred and wasn't a fabrication.

that was reality

Highlights that something wasn't a dream or illusion, but part of the real world.

that was legit

A more informal way to express that something was legitimate and not a scam.

that was the truth

Focuses directly on the factual accuracy of a statement or event.

that was no joke

Emphasizes the seriousness and genuine nature of a situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "that was real" to express that something genuinely happened or was truly felt. For instance, "After the intense performance, I thought, "that was real!""

What are some alternatives to "that was real"?

Some alternatives include "that was genuine", "that was authentic", or "that was the real deal", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "that was real" grammatically correct?

Yes, "that was real" is grammatically correct and commonly used in everyday language. While straightforward, it effectively conveys a sense of authenticity or truth.

When is it appropriate to use "that was real"?

It's appropriate to use "that was real" in informal conversations, news reports, and contexts where you want to emphasize the genuineness of an experience or event. Avoid it in highly formal or academic writing where more sophisticated vocabulary may be preferred.