this was classic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was classic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, event, or behavior that is typical or representative of a particular style or genre, often with a sense of nostalgia or admiration. Example: "When he tripped over his own feet while trying to dance, I couldn't help but laugh and think, this was classic him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

This was classic theodicy.

The New York Times

This was classic baseball.

The New York Times - Sports

This was classic Hwang.

The New York Times - Magazine

This was classic entrapment".

The Guardian

Perhaps this was classic California after all.

The New York Times - Travel

This was classic late-era Russian Machine.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

This is classic Dieudonné.

The New Yorker

This is classic scapegoating.

The Washington Post

This is classic stuff.

The Guardian - Books

This is classic Corbyn.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is classic Australiana.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "this was classic" to invoke a sense of nostalgia or admiration, especially when referring to well-known figures, historical events, or established styles.

Common error

While effective in casual or journalistic writing, avoid overusing "this was classic" in formal academic papers or business reports where more precise or objective language may be required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was classic" functions as an commentary or assessment. It serves to identify and emphasize a particular action or event as being representative or typical of something or someone. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples where this phrase is used to highlight a recognizable pattern or characteristic.

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, the phrase "this was classic" serves as a versatile tool for highlighting something as representative or typical. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it enjoys widespread use across various reputable sources, particularly in the realm of News & Media. Although grammatically sound, it is imperative to use it carefully in formal writing, given the existence of more appropriate formal alternatives. When you want to point out something extremely representative of someone, something, or an action, remember that the goal is to summarize that specific case is easily associated to something bigger.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this was typical

Replaces "classic" with "typical", indicating something is representative of a norm or pattern.

this was quintessential

Substitutes "classic" with "quintessential", emphasizing the most perfect or typical example of something.

this was characteristic

Replaces "classic" with "characteristic", highlighting a quality or trait that is distinctive.

this was textbook

Implies that something happened exactly as described in theory or instruction.

this was just as expected

Focuses on the lack of surprise in the event, implying it was predictable.

this was in line with tradition

Emphasizes adherence to established customs or practices.

this was a prime example

Highlights the event or situation as a particularly good illustration of something.

this was so them

An informal way of saying that something is very typical of a particular person or group.

this was par for the course

Indicates that something is normal or to be expected in a particular situation, often negative.

this was archetypal

Highlights the representative nature of something but it's less common.

FAQs

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

You can use "this was classic" to describe a situation, event, or behavior that is typical or representative of someone or something. For example, "His clumsy attempt to fix the car, which ended in even more damage, this was classic him."

What phrases can I use instead of "this was classic"?

Alternatives include "this was typical", "this was quintessential", or "this was characteristic", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "this was classic" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "this was classic" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more objective or precise language in academic or professional settings.

What does "this was classic" imply about the subject being described?

"This was classic" implies that the subject's action, event, or style is highly representative and recognizable, often with a sense of familiarity or nostalgia.