that was within

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was within" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that existed or occurred inside a certain limit, boundary, or context. Example: "The evidence that was within the report was crucial for the investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The former doctor argued his case on television that day, speaking of "official business" that was "within budget" and "approved by the normal processes".

The New Yorker

The couple searched vigorously for housing that was within their budget of about $600 a month.

The New York Times

And the firefighters had been at a store that was within their assigned area.

The New York Times

But he also found a release for the sweetness and the startling poetry that was within him.

The New York Times - Arts

Some senior Palestinian officials were not blind to the opportunity for statehood that was within their grasp.

The New York Times - Magazine

His favorability rating ticked up slightly to 31percentt, an increase that was within the poll's margin of error.

The Washington Post

He would not discourage innovation that was within his vision of what Apple is or he is".

The New York Times

It divided the city into three large zones, and families could choose any school in their zone, plus any school that was within a mile of their home.

Harvard University

They also said that to retain employees D&B searched for a year for space that was within a 20-minute drive of its former headquarters.

The New York Times

A few times they found a bag of carrots or lettuce that was within their budget, but produce was usually too expensive.

The New York Times - Health

A real estate agent told her about a woebegone 19th-century brownstone in Fort Greene that was within her price range.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Verify clarity by replacing "that was within" with an alternative phrase like "included in" or "part of" to check if the sentence's meaning remains consistent. If it does, the original phrasing is likely effective.

Common error

Avoid using "that was within" without a clear reference point. For example, instead of saying "the data that was within", specify "the data that was within the specified timeframe" to provide more context and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was within" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by specifying a condition of inclusion or containment. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts ranging from budgets and physical areas to abstract concepts such as visions or powers. It indicates something falls inside a certain limit, boundary or scope.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was within" is a grammatically sound and frequently used relative clause that serves to define inclusion within specified boundaries or limits. As confirmed by Ludwig, it spans contexts from tangible locations to abstract concepts. While versatile, the phrase benefits from a clear reference point to avoid vagueness. The register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts, predominantly in news and media. For increased clarity, consider alternatives such as "included in" or "part of" based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which fell inside

Replaces "that was within" by specifying the action of falling, implying being included in something

that was included in

Focuses on the act of inclusion rather than spatial containment.

that existed inside

Uses "existed" emphasizing the presence of something inside a certain boundary.

that was part of

Highlights that something forms a component of a larger entity.

that remained inside

Suggests a state of permanence or continuation within a defined space or limit.

that was encompassed by

More formal and emphasizes the idea of being completely surrounded or contained.

that dwelled within

More poetic and emphasizes a sense of deep inclusion or inhabitation within.

that resided inside

Similar to 'dwelled within' but less poetic, still implying a sense of being present in a defined location.

that was covered by

Implies a range of something being included

that was subject to

More formal and emphasizes the idea of being under control of something or something being applied

FAQs

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

Use "that was within" to indicate something existing or occurring inside a limit, boundary, or context. For example, "The budget "that was within" the approved range was sufficient for the project."

What are some alternatives to "that was within"?

Alternatives include "included in", "part of", or "encompassed by", depending on the specific context. The best choice will ensure the sentence's meaning remains consistent with the original intent.

Is it ever incorrect to use "that was within"?

While grammatically correct, using "that was within" can be unclear if the boundary or context isn't well-defined. Ensure the scope is clear to avoid confusion; otherwise, consider more explicit phrasing.

What's the difference between "that was within" and "that was inside"?

"That was within" often implies a broader, more abstract boundary or limit, while "that was inside" typically refers to a physical location or container. The choice depends on whether you are referring to a concrete or abstract containment.