that was sweet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was sweet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express appreciation or affection for a kind gesture, action, or statement made by someone. Example: "When she surprised him with his favorite dessert, he smiled and said, 'Wow, that was sweet of you!'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

NANCYFRANKLIN: Oh, that was sweet.

The New Yorker

To accompany the pakoras, I craved a chutney that was sweet, hot and a little sour.

The New York Times - Food

A profusion of fragrant images, of resins, of orange peel, of grapefruit, of carrot, of opoponax, of juniper, an odor that was sweet and sour, vivid and mild.

The New York Times

We also had a scoop of soy ice cream ($4), served with a green tea sauce that was sweet and strong, and moved us to forgive the attitude.

The New York Times - Travel

For the encore to a set that was sweet but short, the band return all in white with red glowing orbs on their chests, and leave us wanting more rather than wanting to go home.

Independent

Short ribs ($12.95) were tender and very meaty, as were pork ribs ($10.95) baked with a barbecue sauce that was sweet and citrusy, but also packed some spicy heat.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Things that are sweet.

The New York Times

"Oh that's sweet!

The New York Times

"Tea makes a blaze that's sweet, sickly and intense.

The Guardian

Awww -- that's sweet.

Huffington Post

Awwwwww that is sweet.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was sweet" to acknowledge a kind or thoughtful gesture, creating a warm and positive atmosphere in conversations or writing.

Common error

Avoid using "that was sweet" in highly formal or professional settings where a more sophisticated expression of gratitude might be more appropriate, such as "I appreciate your thoughtfulness" or "I am grateful for your consideration".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was sweet" functions primarily as an exclamatory expression of appreciation or gratitude. It is used to acknowledge and positively affirm a kind or thoughtful action or statement. As Ludwig AI points out, it follows standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that was sweet" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey appreciation or affection for a kind gesture. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that it's most frequently found in News & Media contexts but also appears in Wiki and formal settings. While versatile, it's best reserved for informal or semi-formal situations, as more formal alternatives may be preferable in professional communications. Alternatives such as "that was kind" or "that was thoughtful" offer similar sentiments with slightly different nuances. Understanding the context and desired level of formality is key to using the phrase effectively. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is standard and widely understood, making it a reliable choice for expressing genuine appreciation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's so sweet of you

Emphasizes that is about the person who made the action, highlighting their positive attribute.

that was kind

Replaces "sweet" with "kind", offering a slightly more formal and general expression of appreciation.

that was lovely

Expresses a similar sentiment but with a slightly more refined or elegant tone.

that was thoughtful

Emphasizes the considerate nature of the action or gesture.

that was nice of you

Shifts the focus to the person who performed the action, highlighting their positive attribute.

that was considerate

Similar to "thoughtful" but can apply to actions showing awareness of others' feelings or needs.

that's very kind of you

A more formal and emphatic version of "that was nice of you".

how very kind

An exclamation expressing strong appreciation.

that was generous

Highlights the magnanimous nature of the act.

that was decent of you

Emphasizes the fair and respectable nature of the act, slightly less common in modern usage.

FAQs

What does "that was sweet" mean?

The phrase "that was sweet" is used to express appreciation, gratitude, or affection for a kind gesture, act, or statement. It indicates that something someone did or said was thoughtful and pleasing.

What can I say instead of "that was sweet"?

You can use alternatives like "that was kind", "that was thoughtful", or "that was lovely" depending on the specific context.

Is "that was sweet" too informal for professional communication?

While "that was sweet" is generally acceptable in casual conversations, it might be perceived as too informal in professional communication. Consider using phrases like "I appreciate that" or "that was very thoughtful of you" for a more formal tone.

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

It's appropriate to use "that was sweet" in informal and semi-formal contexts when someone has done something kind or thoughtful for you. It's often used in personal conversations, thank-you notes, or casual emails. Avoid using it in very formal or business contexts.