that was tragic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was tragic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express sorrow or disappointment about an unfortunate event or situation that has occurred. Example: "When I heard about the accident, I couldn't help but think that was tragic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

As a baseball fan, I have never recovered from that season, one that was tragic yet sublime, as I wrote in a piece five years ago.

Huffington Post

I used to think that was tragic, but not anymore.

The New York Times

David Pace said he thought that was tragic.

The New York Times

"But when they afterward realized they did not have this right, that was tragic.

The New York Times

But, as many people told me, in spite of all that was tragic and regrettable, the scientific process had worked.

The New Yorker

That was tragic all right, but, as Tanny herself might have remarked, not terribly original — any number of great athletes have been cut down in their prime.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The old priest shook his head, noting, "That is not irony, bud, that is tragic irony".

The New York Times

It's another thing that's tragic and lovely about Wilde, for me.

The Guardian - Film

We're in the midst of a housing foreclosure crisis that is tragic in its dimensions.

The New York Times

Websites can use it instead of the Like button to help people share stories that are tragic.

TechCrunch

"[Luthor] has a back story that's tragic and an emotional inner life that's authentic.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically correct, be mindful of the audience and situation. In some contexts, a more understated phrase like "that was unfortunate" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "that was tragic" for trivial matters. Overusing strong language for minor inconveniences can dilute its impact when describing genuinely serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was tragic" functions as a declarative statement expressing a judgment about a past event or situation. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It indicates the speaker's perception of the event as deeply unfortunate or sorrowful.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was tragic" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey sorrow, disappointment, or a sense of profound misfortune regarding a past event. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for use in written English. While versatile, it's most impactful when reserved for truly significant or unfortunate situations. Remember to use it judiciously, opting for milder alternatives like "that was unfortunate" or "that was heartbreaking" in less severe contexts. The most authoritative sources that often use this phrase are The New York Times, Huffington Post and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

That was unfortunate

Replaces "tragic" with a milder term indicating bad luck or a regrettable situation.

That was heartbreaking

Emphasizes the emotional impact and sadness associated with the event.

That was devastating

Highlights the destructive and overwhelming nature of the event.

That was lamentable

Uses a more formal term to express regret and sorrow.

That was a calamity

Indicates a disastrous event with significant negative consequences.

That was a misfortune

Focuses on the aspect of bad luck or unfavorable circumstances.

That was a great loss

Highlights the sense of bereavement and deprivation caused by the event.

That was deeply regrettable

Expresses a strong sense of regret and disappointment over the occurrence.

That was a painful event

Focuses on the emotional suffering caused by the event.

It's a tragedy

Shortened version indicating a deeply unfortunate or sorrowful event.

FAQs

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

You can use "that was tragic" to express sadness or disappointment about an event. For example, "When I heard about the accident, I thought "that was tragic"".

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

Alternatives include "that was unfortunate", "that was heartbreaking", or "that was devastating", depending on the context.

Is "that was tragic" formal or informal?

"That was tragic" is generally considered neutral but can lean towards formal depending on the context. In very casual settings, a more relaxed expression might be preferred.

What's the difference between "that was tragic" and "that was sad"?

"That was tragic" implies a more severe and impactful event than "that was sad". Tragedy often involves loss, suffering, or irreversible consequences.