that was splendid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was splendid" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express admiration or approval for something that has occurred in the past, often in a formal or enthusiastic context. Example: "After watching the performance, I turned to my friend and said, 'That was splendid!'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That was splendid for the purchasers, but rather unwise of the life companies, which had no way of hedging their liabilities with fixed-interest assets with a similarly high yield.

The Economist

Lacking the budget of previous opening ceremonies, Meirelles's team made elaborate and inventive use of projections a device that would have been corny in less gifted hands but that was splendid in theirs.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Women's friendships are different from men's, Robinson added, often more complicated, with more competition and jealousy but also "with a deeper engagement that is splendid".

The Guardian - Books

Here, Antonioni pins his characters against settings that are splendid and old, such as paintings, wall hangings, sumptuous villas, ornate sculptures, and primordial farmhouses — artifacts from a classic age of enduring accomplishments that his young wanderers can hardly aspire to.

The New Yorker

This is clever, complex, highly imaginative, technically brilliant food served with warmth and charm in a restaurant (with rooms, for those who want to set about the wine list) that is splendid in every regard.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Oh, that's splendid," my mother said.

The New Yorker

If you can live a curse-free life, then that's splendid.

The New York Times - Sports

That was a splendid morning for England – what a great word that is: splendid – but a draw still seems pretty, pretty, pretty inevitable.

The Guardian - Sport

My work is public, that's splendid, but I don't want to be swallowed behind it.

The Guardian - Books

The gruntometer is at a very low hum, Stephen – the squeaking of shoes on the court is the only irritating noise out there, and that's splendid for everyone.

The Guardian - Sport

That's splendid, but should businesses — heavily taxed already to support public schools — have to teach prospective employees how to read and write and do arithmetic?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context to determine if "that was splendid" is the most appropriate choice, as it can sound affected or overly enthusiastic in some situations.

Common error

Avoid using "that was splendid" too frequently, as it can sound repetitive and insincere. Vary your expressions of approval to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

That was splendid functions as an expressive phrase used to convey strong approval or admiration. It acts as a statement of positive evaluation, similar to other expressions like "that was excellent" or "that was marvelous". Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was splendid" is a grammatically sound and somewhat formal expression used to convey strong approval or admiration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English, though it may sound slightly old-fashioned in some contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media sources and has several alternative expressions, such as "that was wonderful" or "that was magnificent". When using this phrase, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was magnificent

Emphasizes grandeur and impressiveness; slightly more formal.

that was wonderful

Conveys a sense of delight and pleasure; slightly less formal.

that was marvelous

Similar to wonderful but slightly more old-fashioned.

that was superb

Highlights exceptional quality and skill; more formal.

that was excellent

A more general expression of high quality or approval.

that was fantastic

Expresses great enthusiasm and excitement; less formal.

that was awesome

Expresses a sense of awe and amazement; more informal.

that was great

A simple and common expression of approval; less formal.

that was brilliant

Highlights intelligence or exceptional skill.

that was impressive

Acknowledges a noteworthy achievement or quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "that was splendid" to express strong approval or admiration for something that has happened. For example: "After the concert, I said, "That was splendid!"."

What are some alternatives to "that was splendid"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that was wonderful", "that was excellent", or "that was fantastic", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "that was splendid" formal or informal?

"That was splendid" leans towards the formal side, but its perceived formality can depend on context and delivery. It can sound slightly old-fashioned, so consider your audience.

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

It is appropriate to use "that was splendid" when you want to express sincere admiration or approval in a situation that allows for a slightly elevated or refined tone. Consider contexts like formal events, artistic performances, or expressing gratitude to someone.