this was where

USAGE SUMMARY

You can use "this was where" in written English.
It is typically used to connect two ideas or two parts of a story. For example: When I was younger, my family would go on vacation every summer. This was where I first learned to appreciate nature.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This was where he belonged.

The New Yorker

This was where I faltered.

The New Yorker

This was where I belonged.

The New Yorker

But this was where the opportunity was.

The New Yorker

This was where Cusic grew up.

The New York Times - Magazine

This was where the big donors lived.

The New Yorker

This was where I was sleeping.

The New York Times - Magazine

This was where I wanted to be.

The New Yorker

This was where our consultant wanted clarity.

The New Yorker

This was where he had been going.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This was where Beane's creativity came into play.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was where" to clearly indicate the location or point in time where a significant event occurred, creating a smooth transition in your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "this was where" when the location is unclear or undefined. Always ensure the context provides a clear reference for the location being indicated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was where" functions as a relative clause or adverbial phrase indicating a specific location in the past. As Ludwig AI shows, it connects events to places, providing context within a narrative or description. It builds upon previous statements or information to pinpoint a location of importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

7%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this was where" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a location where something occurred. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used to connect a place with a specific event or origin, providing context and grounding the narrative. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it maintains a neutral tone, suitable for a variety of contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the location is clearly defined and relevant to the narrative. Consider alternatives such as "that's where" or "this is the place where" for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is where

Changes the tense from past to present, indicating current location or situation.

here is where

Emphasizes the present location or point.

that's where

Shortens the phrase while maintaining the same meaning, often used in conversation.

this is the place where

Adds emphasis and formality to the statement.

it was here that

Inverts the sentence structure for emphasis.

the location was

Replaces the relative clause with a direct statement about location.

the site of

Uses a noun phrase to denote the place of an event or activity.

the venue was

More formal alternative, specifically referring to a place where events occur.

this is the origin of

Focuses on the starting point or cause of something.

the setting was

Highlights the environment or backdrop of a situation.

FAQs

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

"This was where" is used to indicate a location where something happened or originated. For example, "This was where I first met my best friend."

What phrases are similar to "this was where"?

Similar phrases include /s/that+was+where, /s/this+is+where, or /s/here+is+where. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it correct to say "this is where" instead of "this was where"?

Both are correct, but "this was where" refers to a past event or situation, while "this is where" refers to a present one. The choice depends on the time frame you're discussing.

What is the difference between "this was where" and "it happened here"?

"This was where" often introduces a more detailed explanation or narrative, while "it happened here" is a simple statement of fact. "This was where" implies a deeper connection or significance to the location.