that was required

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was required" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that was necessary or needed in a specific context, often in past tense. Example: "The documents that were submitted were those that were required for the application process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They were everything that was required: respectful, dignified, united.

The Guardian - Sport

I'd play any old crap that was required.

The Guardian - Music

But that was one bonding too many that was required of me.

The New York Times

"He saw revolutionary violence as an individual duty that was required of every Muslim.

The Guardian

I wasn't impressed, however arcane the know-how that was required.

The New York Times

Condensation in the reservoir releases the heat of vaporization that was required to create the steam.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I personally was skeptical on the scale of investment that was required there.

The New York Times - Sports

This was achieved while making advances in the major surgery on the senior playing staff that was required.

The Guardian - Sport

At least Hart showed the force of personality that was required on his return to the team.

The Guardian - Sport

They had no experience of film making, but quickly re-invented the process that was required to produce the film".

The Guardian

Gregory's chancery revived and strengthened an oath of obedience that was required of all archbishops and bishops.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that was required", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what imposed the requirement to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "that was required" without a clear antecedent. Ensure the reader understands what "that" refers to. Instead of saying "That was required", specify the noun, i.e. "The payment that was required".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was required" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun. It specifies which item or action was necessary or obligatory, providing additional information about the antecedent. Ludwig's examples showcase this function in various contexts, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was required" is a grammatically sound and frequently used relative clause that clarifies the necessity or obligation associated with a noun. According to Ludwig, its versatile usage spans news media, scientific documents, and encyclopedic entries, showcasing a neutral to formal register. While effective, writers should ensure clarity by specifying the antecedent of "that" and consider more concise alternatives like "necessary" or "needed" where appropriate. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread applicability across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what was necessary

Emphasizes the need for something using a more direct adjective.

what was needed

Focuses on the lack or deficiency that the requirement fulfills.

which was obligatory

Highlights the compulsory nature of the requirement.

what had to be done

Shifts focus to the action that needed completion.

that which was essential

Underscores the critical importance of the requirement.

the necessary thing

Simplifies the phrase, emphasizing the core necessity.

that which was prerequisite

Indicates a condition that must be met beforehand.

what the situation demanded

Highlights the context-specific nature of the need.

the stipulated condition

Indicates that the requirement was formally specified.

the mandatory aspect

Stresses the compulsory and unavoidable nature of the condition.

FAQs

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

Use "that was required" to refer to something that was necessary or obligatory in a specific context. For example, "The training "that was required" for the job was extensive".

What is a more concise alternative to "that was required"?

Depending on the context, you could use "necessary", "needed", or "essential" as more concise alternatives. For example, instead of "the documents "that was required"", you could say "the necessary documents".

Is it ever incorrect to use "that was required"?

While grammatically correct, using "that was required" can sometimes make your writing sound verbose. Ensure it adds value to the sentence and isn't simply a wordy way of saying "necessary" or "needed".

What is the difference between "that was required" and "that was requested"?

"That was required" implies necessity or obligation, whereas "that was requested" simply means something was asked for. Something "required" is essential; something "requested" is optional.