the thing was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the thing was' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a narrative or description of an event. For example, "The thing was, I had no choice but to take the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The thing was managed.

Independent

The thing was very sad.

The New Yorker

The thing was a record.

The New Yorker

The thing was glowing.

The New York Times

The thing was, though?

The New Yorker

The thing was all written, right?

The New York Times - Magazine

The thing was in that room.

The New York Times

The thing was pulling him off balance.

The New Yorker

The thing was in my hands now.

The New Yorker

The thing was, she did believe it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"The thing is the name.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "the thing was" with more formal synonyms such as "the key point was" or "the main issue was" in professional contexts to maintain a higher level of formality.

Common error

Avoid using "the thing was" excessively in formal writing, as it can sound conversational and lack the precision expected in professional contexts. Opt for more formal alternatives such as "the central aspect" or "the primary concern" to maintain a polished and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the thing was" functions as a discourse marker, specifically used to introduce an explanation, clarification, or key piece of information. It often signals a transition to the most important aspect of a situation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the thing was" is a versatile phrase used to introduce an important explanation or clarification. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, especially in news and media contexts. While suitable for neutral and informal communication, remember to use more formal alternatives like "the key point was" in professional settings. Overusing "the thing was" can also make your writing sound too conversational, so use it judiciously to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the important thing was

Highlights the significance of a particular aspect or element.

the key point was

Focuses on the central idea or essence of a situation, highlighting its importance.

the main issue was

Emphasizes the primary problem or challenge that needed to be addressed.

the problem was

Directly points out the difficulty or obstacle encountered.

the truth was

Emphasizes honesty and unveiling of concealed or misunderstood information.

the reality was

Introduces a factual or truthful statement that contrasts with assumptions.

what really happened was

Invites the real and accurate story, probably after a period of misrepresentation.

essentially

Condenses the situation to its core components, providing a simplified explanation.

in essence

Captures the fundamental nature of the matter, often summarizing complex details.

at its heart

Draws attention to the underlying element that drives the situation or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "the thing was" in a sentence?

"The thing was" is typically used to introduce an explanation or a key piece of information that clarifies a situation. For example, "We wanted to go to the beach, but "the thing was", it was raining."

What are some alternatives to "the thing was"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the key point was", "the main issue was", or "the important thing was" to introduce a crucial detail or explanation.

Is "the thing was" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "the thing was" is generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, it's better to use more precise and professional alternatives such as "the central aspect" or "the primary concern".

How does "the thing was" differ from "the fact was"?

"The thing was" introduces a more general explanation or clarifying detail, while "the fact was" emphasizes a specific, often undeniable truth or piece of information. For example: "The thing was, I didn't have enough money" versus "The fact was, the store was closed."