that was really something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was really something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express admiration or surprise about an event, experience, or performance that was impressive or noteworthy. Example: "After watching the concert, I turned to my friend and said, 'Wow, that was really something!'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Well, that was really something.

The Guardian - Sport

"That was really something," he said.

The New York Times

So that was really something else".

The New York Times

"To see it in real life, that was really something".

The New York Times

She says, "That was really something, wasn't it?

The New Yorker

And that was really something". Bridge to Light Up In Philadelphia WHEN the Benjamin Franklin Bridge opened 60 years ago, it was the world's largest single-span bridge.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Of course the company is growing so that is really something very, very important for me and really motivates me.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

That's really something".

The New Yorker

"Now, that's really something," he said.

The New Yorker

"Wow, that's really something," he said.

The New Yorker

And so that's really something that happens every day.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was really something" to express genuine surprise or admiration after witnessing an event or achievement. It's best used when you want to convey a sense of impact or memorability.

Common error

Avoid using "that was really something" repeatedly in close succession. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your expressions of admiration or surprise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was really something" serves as an exclamatory expression to convey a sense of surprise, admiration, or strong impression following an event or observation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it is frequently used to express a reaction to a noteworthy experience.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was really something" is a common and versatile phrase used to express a strong reaction of surprise, admiration, or recognition of significance after an event or experience. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While primarily neutral in register, it can be adapted to different tones based on the speaker's intent. When writing, it's advisable to use it judiciously and consider more formal alternatives in professional or academic settings. It's important to express genuine emotion and use the phrase when you want to convey a sense of impact or memorability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was quite an experience

Emphasizes the experiential aspect, highlighting the event as a noteworthy occurrence.

that was truly remarkable

Highlights the exceptional nature of something, focusing on its outstanding qualities.

that was absolutely amazing

Conveys strong positive emotion, emphasizing the speaker's enthusiasm.

that was exceptionally impressive

Focuses on the admirable or awe-inspiring quality of something.

that was beyond expectations

Highlights that something exceeded what was anticipated.

that was something special

Indicates uniqueness and positive regard, conveying that something stood out.

that left quite an impression

Focuses on the lasting impact of something on the speaker or observer.

that was a memorable event

Highlights the unforgettable nature of an event or experience.

that was a one-of-a-kind experience

Emphasizes the uniqueness and rarity of the experience.

that was astonishing

Highlights the surprising and impressive nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "that was really something" in a sentence?

Use "that was really something" to express admiration or surprise after an event. For example: "After the performance, I thought to myself, 'Wow, "that was really something"!'"

What can I say instead of "that was really something"?

You can use alternatives like "that was remarkable", "that was impressive", or "that was amazing" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "that was really something" in formal writing?

While "that was really something" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "that was truly remarkable" or "that was exceptionally impressive" might be more appropriate in formal contexts.

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

"That was really something" refers to a past event or experience, while "that is really something" refers to something happening in the present or a general characteristic. For instance, "The play we saw last night, "that was really something"" (past) versus "Her dedication to the project, "that is really something"" (present).