that was true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was true" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when affirming the accuracy or validity of a statement made in the past. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I can confirm that what she said about the project timeline was true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

No doubt that was true.

The Economist

That was true praise".

The New Yorker

Well, that was true.

The New Yorker

And that was true.

The New York Times

That was true.

The New York Times

That was true then.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

VILLANTE: That is true.

The New Yorker

Legally, that's true.

The New Yorker

No, that's true.

The New York Times

All that is true.

The New Yorker

DAN: That is true.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of the context. While generally acceptable, "that was true" can be replaced with more formal or informal alternatives depending on the audience and situation. For example, use "that is correct" in professional settings or "that's right" in casual conversations.

Common error

While "that was true" is grammatically sound, relying on it too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "that's correct", "that's accurate", or rephrasing the affirmation for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was true" functions as an affirmative statement, confirming the veracity or accuracy of a previous assertion or situation. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is used to express agreement or validation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was true" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to affirm the accuracy of a past statement. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's common in news and media contexts, providing a neutral and clear way to express agreement or validation. While highly acceptable, it's advisable to vary your language with synonyms such as "that's correct" or "that's accurate" to prevent repetition. When considering a more formal tone, switch to "that is indeed the case".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's correct

Replaces "true" with "correct", offering a more formal tone.

that's right

Substitutes "true" with "right", providing a more casual affirmation.

that's accurate

Replaces "true" with "accurate", focusing on the factual correctness of the statement.

that is indeed the case

Adds emphasis and formality by using "indeed the case".

that's factual

Focuses on the statement being based on facts and evidence.

that's the truth

Emphasizes the veracity of the statement, highlighting its genuineness.

that's valid

Indicates that the statement is logically sound and well-founded.

that's spot on

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey complete accuracy.

that's on point

Similar to "spot on", indicating the statement is relevant and accurate.

it was the reality

Shifts focus to the actual state of affairs, emphasizing what really happened.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "that was true"?

You can use alternatives like "that's correct", "that's right", or "that's accurate" depending on the context.

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

Use "that was true" when you want to confirm the accuracy or validity of a statement made in the past. It's suitable in both formal and informal settings.

Is "that was true" grammatically correct?

Yes, "that was true" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules.

What is the difference between "that was true" and "that is true"?

"That was true" refers to something that was accurate in the past, while "that is true" refers to something that is currently accurate.