that was something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'that was something' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used as an expression of admiration or acknowledgment after something remarkable has been accomplished or experienced. For example: "That was something! I can't believe you just ran the marathon in under 3 hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But TV — that was something else altogether.

The New Yorker

"But that was something".

The New York Times

That was something".

The New York Times - Sports

That was something very special.

The New York Times

And that was something I wanted.

The New York Times

That was something he modelled for me".

The New Yorker

That was something I won't forget.

The New York Times - Arts

"That was something we wanted to capitalize".

The New York Times - Sports

That was something Frank never understood.

The New Yorker

That was something she always did.

The Economist

That was something worth fighting for.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that was something", consider adding context to enhance its impact. For example, instead of just saying "That was something," try "That was something I'll never forget".

Common error

Avoid using "that was something" as a standalone statement without providing any context or explanation. It can come across as vague or insincere if not followed by specific details about what impressed you.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was something" functions as an exclamatory remark used to express a feeling of awe, surprise, or appreciation. It's often employed after witnessing or experiencing something significant, impressive, or unexpected. As Ludwig's AI points out, it is typically used as an expression of admiration or acknowledgment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was something" is a versatile phrase used to express a range of positive reactions, including admiration, surprise, and acknowledgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from casual conversations to formal news reports. The phrase is frequently found in "News & Media", highlighting its common usage in describing noteworthy events or experiences. While it's a common expression, it's best used with specific context to enhance its impact, avoiding vagueness. Consider alternative phrases like "that was truly special" for similar effect. The phrase is a powerful and flexible way to express positive sentiment, making it a valuable addition to any communicator's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

That was truly special

Indicates a unique and memorable quality.

That was truly astonishing

Emphasizes the surprising and impressive nature of something.

That was quite remarkable

Highlights the exceptional nature of something.

That was something else entirely

Suggests that something was completely different or exceptional.

I was really impressed by that

Directly expresses admiration or approval.

That exceeded all expectations

Highlights that something went beyond anticipated levels.

That really stood out

Emphasizes the distinctiveness or impressiveness of something.

That was beyond my expectations

Highlights that something exceeded anticipated levels.

That left quite an impression

Focuses on the lasting impact of an experience or event.

That took me by surprise

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "that was something" to express admiration, surprise, or acknowledgment. For example, "The performance was incredible; that was something!" or "I didn't expect to win, so that was something else entirely".

What's a more formal alternative to "that was something"?

For a more formal tone, consider phrases like "that was quite remarkable" or "that left quite an impression".

How does "that was something" differ from "that was nothing"?

"That was something" implies significance or impressiveness, while "that was nothing" implies a lack of importance or difficulty. They are direct opposites in meaning.

Is it correct to say "that is something" instead of "that was something"?

Yes, "that is something" is also correct, but it typically refers to something currently happening or generally true, while "that was something" refers to a past event or experience.