that was the model

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was the model" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific example or standard that was previously mentioned or demonstrated. Example: "In our discussion about design principles, I mentioned the prototype we used for the project. That was the model we based our final product on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sports

Health

Culture

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

When I was 18 or 19 and first thought I might want to make a movie, that was the model.

The Guardian - Film

Thirteen years later, Port Washington -- the hamlet that was the model for East Egg in "The Great Gatsby" -- has produced 72 semifinalists and 12 finalists.

The New York Times

When "Sesame Street" began, Mr. Loman said, "people were watching 'Laugh-In' - that was the model, with all those little vignettes".

The New York Times

The other broadside concerned his enactment of a health-care mandate as governor of Massachusetts that was the model for President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act.

The New York Times

Dr. Davison was involved in creating a pioneering egg safety program in Pennsylvania that was the model for the federal rules that went into effect this year.

The New York Times

That's the struggling mill town an hour inland that was the model for Empire Falls, the setting -- and the title -- of his last novel, a Pulitzer Prize winner in 2002.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Oh, pity us potato-faced proles, living alongside the perfect superhumans that are the models!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's the model.

The New York Times

"That's the model we're testing.

The New York Times

So that's the model.

The Guardian - Music

That is the model R.M.P. is moving toward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was the model" to clearly indicate a prior example or standard upon which something is based. This helps establish a point of reference for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "that was the model" without explicitly specifying what "that" refers to. Ensure the antecedent is clear to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was the model" functions as a predicative expression, identifying a specific example or standard that served as a basis for something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Books

13%

Sports

12%

Less common in

Health

12%

Culture

12%

Science

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was the model" serves to pinpoint a prior example or standard that influenced a subsequent creation or action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. The phrase is commonly found in News & Media, Books and Sports, indicating its broad applicability. Related phrases include "that served as the template" and "that was the blueprint". When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly referencing the antecedent to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that served as the template

Replaces "model" with "template", emphasizing the guiding nature of the original example.

that was the guide

Highlights the guiding aspect, suggesting the original example helped to direct subsequent actions.

that was the blueprint

Substitutes "model" with "blueprint", highlighting the structured plan or design aspect.

that was the prototype

Emphasizes the preliminary or experimental nature of the original example.

that was the pattern

Replaces "model" with "pattern", suggesting a recurring design or method.

that was the inspiration

Focuses on the inspirational aspect, suggesting the original example motivated the creation of something new.

that was the precedent

Indicates that the original example set a legal or procedural example for future actions.

that set the standard

Highlights the establishment of a benchmark or level of quality.

that was the exemplar

Uses a more formal term, "exemplar", to denote a highly representative example.

that became the benchmark

Focuses on how it becomes something against which you measure.

FAQs

How can I use "that was the model" in a sentence?

Use "that was the model" to refer back to a specific example or standard that influenced a later creation or action. For example, "The original iPhone design "that was the model" for all subsequent smartphones."

What are some alternatives to "that was the model"?

You can use alternatives like "that served as the template", "that was the blueprint", or "that was the inspiration" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "that was the model" in formal writing?

Yes, "that was the model" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing historical influences, design processes, or establishing benchmarks.

What's the difference between "that was the model" and "that is the model"?

"That was the model" refers to a past influence or standard, while "that is the model" indicates a current or ongoing standard. The choice depends on whether the influence is historical or still in effect.