this was that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was that" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a situation or event that has already occurred. Here is an example: "After weeks of planning and preparation, the big day arrived. This was that moment she had been waiting for her entire life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

This was that opportunity.

The New York Times

This was that point".

The New York Times

This was that time.

The Washington Post

"And this was that goal: 'Right.

The Guardian - Sport

This was that greatest of all crimes – wastefulness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This was that precise moment all over again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

This is that photo.

The New York Times

This is that memo.

The New Yorker

This is that opinion.

Cornell University

Will this be that kind of thing?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So this is that moment for me".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was that" to connect a current situation to a previously discussed or anticipated event, creating a sense of culmination or realization for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "this was that" in contexts where a direct statement would be more effective. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

This phrase serves as a pivotal connector, linking a present event or realization to a previously discussed or anticipated circumstance. This phrase is often used to underscore the significance of a particular moment, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this was that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to connect a current situation with a previously discussed or anticipated event. According to Ludwig AI, its communicative purpose is to highlight culmination or realization. It frequently appears in News & Media and Academia, reflecting a neutral register suitable for general communication. When writing, use it to link present circumstances with past expectations, creating a sense of culmination for the reader. Be aware of overuse, because it can diminish its impact. For alternatives, consider "this represented that", "this signified that", or "this was precisely it", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This was precisely it

Adds a level of exactness and confirmation to the identification.

This represented that

Emphasizes the symbolic nature of the event or item, highlighting what it stood for.

This signified that

Highlights the meaning or importance of the event or item.

This embodied that

Focuses on the tangible or concrete representation of an abstract concept or idea.

Here was that

Emphasizes the presence or arrival of something previously sought or anticipated.

This fulfilled that

Implies a sense of completion or satisfaction, suggesting a prior expectation being met.

This proved to be that

Highlights the eventual confirmation or validation of the event or item's identity.

This corresponded to that

Draws a parallel between the current event or item and a previous one, emphasizing their connection.

This equated to that

Indicates an equivalence or equal value between the two events or items.

This turned out to be that

Adds an element of surprise or discovery, revealing the true nature of the event or item.

FAQs

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

Use "this was that" to highlight a moment of realization or culmination. For example, "After months of training, the championship game arrived. This was that moment of truth."

What can I say instead of "this was that"?

You can use alternatives like "this represented that", "this signified that", or "this was precisely it" depending on the context.

Is "this was that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "this was that" is grammatically correct when used to connect a current situation to a previously mentioned or anticipated event. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

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

"This was that" refers to a current situation fulfilling a past expectation, while "that was this" is less common and might describe identifying something in retrospect.