this was something

USAGE SUMMARY

"this was something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a topic, for example: "This was something I hadn't thought of before - the impact of technology on our lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

This was something nice.

The New Yorker

This was something different.

The New York Times - Sports

This was something individuals did".

The New York Times

This was something else entirely.

The Guardian - Music

This was something else: humbling.

The New York Times - Sports

This was something he dreaded.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

This is something.

The New York Times

This is something else.

Independent

"This is something much bigger".

The New York Times - Sports

"This is something," he said.

The New York Times

This is something we know".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was something" to introduce a realization, highlight a significant detail, or transition between ideas in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "this was something" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and descriptive language to convey your meaning effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was something" functions as a clause that introduces a statement or observation. It sets the stage for further elaboration and often implies a sense of significance or novelty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this was something" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a realization, highlight a significant detail, or transition between ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While it is prevalent in news and media, it also finds its place in scientific writing, though perhaps with slightly less frequency. When writing, consider the register and context to ensure it aligns with your intended meaning. While the phrase is grammatically sound it can often be replaced by stronger descriptive alternatives, particularly in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this was quite something

Adds emphasis, suggesting impressiveness or remarkability.

this turned out to be something

Highlights the unexpected nature of the discovery or outcome.

this proved to be something

Emphasizes the verification or confirmation of something's nature.

this became something

Focuses on change and transformation.

this represented something

Focuses on symbolism and the idea of standing for something else.

this implied something

Similar to 'indicated', but focuses on the subtle, unspoken aspect.

this indicated something

Highlights the suggestive quality of the situation or element being referenced.

this constituted something

Formal alternative, emphasizing the act of forming or composing something.

this signified something

Formal, emphasizing the meaning or significance of something.

this amounted to something

Suggests a result or consequence, focusing on the final outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "this was something" to introduce a realization or observation, for example, "After years of hard work, this was something I had finally achieved".

What are some alternatives to "this was something"?

You can use alternatives like "this was remarkable", "this was significant", or "this was unexpected depending on the context".

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

Yes, "this was something" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English.

When should I avoid using "this was something"?

Consider using more precise language in formal or academic writing. In those contexts, using a more descriptive phrase instead of the general "this was something" may add clarity.