that was so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was so" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used as a descriptive phrase to emphasize something that was particularly remarkable or extraordinary. Example: The sunset over the ocean was breathtaking, with hues of pink and orange painting the sky. That was so beautiful.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Boy, that was so much fun".

Los Angeles Times

Oh that was so funny.

Huffington Post

That was so common".

The New York Times - Magazine

That was so strange.

The New York Times

That was so naïve.

The New York Times

"That was so tedious.

Independent

"That was so disturbing.

The New Yorker

"That was so stressful.

The Guardian

That was so plainly wrong.

The New York Times

And that was so important.

Independent

But that was so 2011.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was so" to express strong feelings or opinions about a past event or experience. It is suitable for informal conversations and writing where emotional expression is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "that was so" in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more precise and professional language to convey your message effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was so" functions as an exclamatory expression, typically used to emphasize the degree or intensity of an adjective or adverb. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and can be used in written English, commonly serving as a descriptive phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was so" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express strong emotions or opinions about past events. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an exclamatory expression best suited for informal contexts, such as casual conversations and personal writing. While it is frequently found in news and media sources, it is advisable to avoid using "that was so" in formal or professional settings. Instead, consider using more precise language to ensure effective communication. Related phrases include "it was extremely" or "it truly was", which can convey similar sentiments with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it truly was

Emphasizes the authenticity and reality of the experience, replacing "so" with "truly".

it was quite

Replaces "so" with "quite" to soften the emphasis.

it was extremely

Focuses on the intensity of the experience, omitting the subject.

it really happened

Emphasizes the event's reality, removing "so" for a factual tone.

so it was

Emphasizes acceptance of past events.

that truly happened

Highlights the factual nature of the event, removing "so" and adjusting the sentence structure.

it happened like that

Focuses on the manner in which something occurred, simplifying the emotional expression.

it unfolded in that way

Emphasizes the process or sequence of events, removing the emotional intensity.

it transpired thus

Presents a formal and concise statement of how events unfolded.

that came to pass

Highlights the fulfillment of a prophecy or expectation, shifting the focus from the experience to the outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "that was so" to express strong feelings about something in the past. For example, "The concert last night was incredible! "That was so" exciting".

What are some alternatives to "that was so"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "it was extremely", "it truly was", or "it was quite" as alternatives to "that was so".

Is "that was so" grammatically correct?

Yes, "that was so" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and informal written English to express a strong feeling or opinion about something that happened in the past.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "that was so"?

"That was so" is appropriate in informal settings like conversations with friends or casual writing. However, it is generally best to avoid it in formal or professional contexts where more precise language is preferred.