this was

USAGE SUMMARY

"this was" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement about something that existed in the past. For example: "This was my least favorite film of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was you once, this was us.

The New Yorker

This was an exaggeration.

The Economist

This was another revelation.

The New York Times

This was risky business.

The New York Times

This was classic baseball.

The New York Times - Sports

This was exciting.

The New Yorker

This was a Thatcher.

Independent

This was surely intentional.

The New Yorker

"This was their area".

The New York Times

This was not unprecedented.

The New Yorker

This was powerful stuff.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was" to clearly introduce a past state or situation, setting the context for further details. It's effective for narratives and descriptions.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "this was". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "it was", or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was" functions as a declarative statement, introducing a description or observation about something in the past. It sets the stage for providing further details or context. Ludwig shows numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this was" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for introducing past states or situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. While extremely versatile, avoid overusing it in close proximity to maintain writing quality. Consider using synonyms like "it was" or "that was" for variety. Pay attention to context: more formal settings might benefit from descriptive alternatives. By following these guidelines, you can leverage "this was" effectively while ensuring clarity and style in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was

Uses "that" instead of "this" to refer to something more distant or already mentioned.

it was

Replaces "this" with the pronoun "it", maintaining the same meaning and grammatical structure.

it had been

Shifts to the past perfect tense, emphasizing that the state existed before a certain point in the past.

that had been

Combines the past perfect tense with "that" to indicate a state existing before a specific past event.

this used to be

Indicates a past state that is no longer true, highlighting a change over time.

this once was

Emphasizes a past state, implying a sense of nostalgia or change.

as it was

Highlights the condition or state of something at a particular time in the past.

such was

Emphasizes the nature or quality of something in the past, often used for dramatic effect.

the situation was

Substitutes "this was" with a more descriptive and detailed phrasing.

the case was

Offers a more formal and objective way to describe a past state or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "this was" in a sentence?

"This was" is used to describe a state or situation that existed in the past. For example, "This was the best day of my life" indicates a past experience you value highly.

What are some alternatives to "this was"?

You can use alternatives like "that was", "it was", or "it had been" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "this was"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "this was" can make your writing repetitive. Ensure you vary your sentence structure and word choices for a more engaging style.

What's the difference between "this was" and "that was"?

"This was" generally refers to something closer in time or relevance to the speaker, while "that was" typically refers to something more distant or already mentioned.