this was somebody

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was somebody" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a person in a past context, often to emphasize their identity or significance in a situation. Example: "In the end, this was somebody who changed my life forever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"This was somebody focused on solving problems".

The New York Times

This was somebody of great courage".

The New York Times

"This was somebody who had a heart".

The New York Times

"This was somebody who basically said, 'I've done nothing wrong, this is everybody else's fault'.

Independent

"You knew this was somebody who had been throwing up some heavy metal".

The New York Times

"This was somebody that you'd be happy if your sister married — that kind of guy".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

This is somebody noble.

The New York Times - Arts

This is somebody else.

The Guardian - Books

"But this is somebody's home.

The New York Times

This is somebody we once called 'friend'friend

The Guardian - Film

"This is somebody else's show.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was somebody" to introduce or emphasize a key characteristic or role of a person being discussed. It's useful when reflecting on past experiences or situations.

Common error

While acceptable, "this was somebody" can sound informal. In formal documents, consider using more precise language to describe the person's role or qualities, like "this individual acted as a leader" rather than "this was somebody who led".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was somebody" functions as a subject complement, identifying or describing a person in the past. It is commonly used to introduce a significant characteristic or role that the person held, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this was somebody" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that serves to highlight a person's key characteristics or role in a past context. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media sources, indicating a neutral register. While versatile, it is advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "that person was" or directly specifying the role in formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure it effectively emphasizes the person's significance in the narrative or discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that person was

Focuses on the individual's identity with a slightly more direct tone.

they were someone

Uses "they" as a gender-neutral pronoun, suitable when gender is unknown or irrelevant.

that individual was

A more formal way to refer to a person.

he/she was someone

Specifies the gender, making it more precise in certain contexts.

it was a person who

Emphasizes the person's role or characteristics.

this individual embodied

Highlights the qualities or characteristics the person represented.

this was an individual

More formal and emphasizes individuality.

here was someone

Shifts the focus to the presence or existence of the person.

before us stood someone

Creates a more vivid and descriptive image of the person's presence.

the person in question was

Refers to a specific individual already under discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "this was somebody" to emphasize a key characteristic or role of a person, for example, "This was somebody who always put others first".

What are some alternatives to saying "this was somebody"?

Consider alternatives like "that person was", "they were someone", or "that individual was" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "this was somebody"?

Yes, "this was somebody" is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

When is it appropriate to use "this was somebody" over more formal alternatives?

"This was somebody" is best used in informal or narrative contexts. In formal writing, phrases like "this was an individual" or specifying the person's role directly are more appropriate.