this was a

USAGE SUMMARY

"this was a" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a noun or to describe a noun that has already been mentioned. For example, "This was a wonderful experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was a Thatcher.

Independent

This was a disaster".

The New York Times

This was a delusion.

The New Yorker

This was a revelation.

Independent

This was a lie.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This was a heave.

The New York Times - Sports

"This was a massacre.

The New York Times

This was a defeat.

Independent

This was a test.

The New Yorker

"This was a riot.

Independent

This was a miscalculation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was a" to clearly introduce a new piece of information or a significant event to provide context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "this was a" excessively in very simple sentences. Consider restructuring the sentence to be more concise and impactful. For example, instead of "This was a good day", try "It was a good day."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was a" functions primarily as an introductory phrase, setting the stage to introduce a noun or describe a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this was a" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase in English. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and versatile, fitting into various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase maintains a generally neutral tone, remember to avoid overuse in simple sentences for more impactful writing. This expression serves to introduce nouns or describe past events, providing necessary context and assessment. Remember, while alternatives like "it constituted a" and "that proved to be a" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it constituted a

Replaces "this" with "it" and uses a more formal verb, indicating a more significant or impactful situation.

in effect, it was a

Highlights the true or practical nature of something.

it turned out to be a

Adds a sense of discovery or realization about what something was.

that qualified as a

Indicates that something met certain criteria or standards.

that proved to be a

Highlights that something became apparent or evident over time.

what occurred was a

Emphasizes the event or action that took place.

that functioned as a

Focuses on the role or purpose that something served.

it could be characterized as a

Offers a way to describe something from a specific perspective or viewpoint.

the situation involved a

Focuses on the circumstances surrounding something.

the result was a

Highlights the outcome or consequence of a previous action.

FAQs

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

The phrase "this was a" is used to introduce or describe something in the past. For example, "This was a great accomplishment", or "This was a difficult decision".

What phrases are similar to "this was a"?

Similar phrases include "it constituted a", "it turned out to be a", or "the result was a" depending on the specific context.

Is there a more formal way to say "this was a"?

Yes, in more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "it represented a", or "it proved to be a" to maintain a higher level of formality.

What's the difference between "this was a" and "it was a"?

"This was a" often refers to something that has just been mentioned or is immediately present in the context, while "it was a" can refer to something more general or previously known.