this was the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was the" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific event, situation, or object that has been previously mentioned or is being highlighted in a narrative. Example: "This was the moment I had been waiting for my entire life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

THIS was the plan.

The Economist

"This was the law.

The New York Times

This was the pattern.

The New York Times - Arts

This was the horse.

The Economist

This was the exception.

The New York Times

This was the time.

The New York Times - Magazine

This was the descent.

The New Yorker

This was the one.

Independent

"This was the stupidest".

The New York Times

This was the best.

Independent

This was the model.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was the" to clearly identify a specific element or moment that is crucial to your narrative or explanation. Ensure that the context makes it clear what "this" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "this was the" if the referent of "this" is ambiguous. Make sure the reader knows exactly what "this" signifies to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

"This was the" functions as a demonstrative phrase, specifying and highlighting a particular element, event, or characteristic within a narrative or explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"This was the" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to highlight specific elements or moments in a narrative. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted and frequently employed, especially in news and media. For effective usage, ensure clarity by making sure the referent of "this" is easily understood. Alternatives like "this represented the" or "that was the" can provide nuanced variations while maintaining semantic similarity. Master the use of "this was the" to guide your readers and emphasize key aspects of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this represented the

Focuses on the symbolic or indicative nature of the subject, highlighting its role as a sign or embodiment of something else.

this constituted the

Emphasizes the components or elements that formed a particular entity or situation.

this signified the

Highlights the meaning or importance of an event or occurrence, suggesting it was a crucial or pivotal moment.

this turned out to be the

Adds a sense of discovery or revelation, indicating that the true nature of something was eventually revealed.

this proved to be the

Highlights the eventual outcome or result, emphasizing that something demonstrated a particular quality or characteristic over time.

this became the

Indicates a transition or evolution over time, showing how something changed into a new state or condition.

this marked the

Emphasizes a significant point or milestone, suggesting that something was a noteworthy event or turning point.

this equaled the

Suggests a correspondence or equivalence between two things, emphasizing their shared qualities or attributes.

this encompassed the

Focuses on the scope or extent of something, highlighting its comprehensive or all-encompassing nature.

that was the

Shifts the emphasis to a past event or situation, indicating its relevance or significance in the present context.

FAQs

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

Use "this was the" to introduce or emphasize a particular element, event, or characteristic that is central to your discussion. For example, "This was the turning point in the story".

What are some alternatives to "this was the"?

Alternatives include phrases like "this represented the", "this signified the", or "that was the", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "this was the" formal or informal?

"This was the" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal writing. However, the surrounding context may influence the overall formality.

When should I avoid using "this was the"?

Avoid using "this was the" if the referent of "this" is unclear or ambiguous. Ensure that the reader can easily understand what "this" is referring to.