those that were

USAGE SUMMARY

"those that were" is correct and usable in written English.
It is similar to "those who were", so it can be used when referring to people or things in the past. For example, "I remember those that were there before me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Those that were not were discarded".

The New York Times

"Those that were afraid all left".

The Guardian

And so those that were pollinated gained.

The New York Times

Those that were still there, that is.

The Guardian - Sport

Those that were open had few shoppers.

The New York Times

Contracts are divided into two categories, those that were renegotiated following the shock and those that were not.

Journal of Environmental Economics and Management

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

For those that are, where are they?

The New York Times - Arts

Those that are not are escaping poverty.

The Economist

Those that are unrealized would remain untaxed.

The New York Times

Advertised opportunities are those that are posted.

Columbia University

Those that are incompatible will fail.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "those that were" to refer to a specific subset of items or people previously mentioned or clearly implied in the context. Ensure clarity by providing enough context so the reader knows which "those" you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "those that were" without a clear antecedent. Ensure it's obvious to the reader what "those" refers to. Otherwise, rephrase to be more specific or use a more precise noun.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "those that were" functions as a relative clause acting as a determiner, identifying a specific subset of items or people from a larger group based on a past condition. As Ludwig AI explains, it's considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

34%

Science

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "those that were" serves as a grammatically sound and widely utilized phrase across diverse writing contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It functions primarily as a relative clause, aiding in specific identification based on a past condition. While its register remains neutral, it frequently appears in news, academic, and scientific sources. Key considerations for effective usage include ensuring a clear antecedent and avoiding ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "those who were" or more specific nouns can enhance clarity and formality when needed. By paying attention to these nuances, writers can effectively leverage "those that were" to achieve clarity and precision in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

those who were

Uses "who" instead of "that", typically referring to people. It adds a slightly more personal touch.

the ones that were

Replaces "those" with "the ones", emphasizing specific items or individuals previously mentioned.

the individuals that were

Specifically refers to people, adding a layer of formality and precision.

the items that were

Specifies that the subject is a list of items; more precise and less ambiguous in certain contexts.

the things that were

Refers to inanimate objects or abstract concepts, excluding people.

that which was

More formal and abstract; suitable for philosophical or theoretical contexts.

elements that were

Suggests that the subjects are parts of a larger whole, emphasizing composition or structure.

the entities that were

Suitable for technical or abstract discussions involving non-personal subjects.

all that were

Emphasizes inclusivity, referring to every item or person within a group.

aspects that were

Highlights specific features or characteristics that existed in the past.

FAQs

How can I use "those that were" in a sentence?

Use "those that were" to refer back to a group of people or things that you've already mentioned, emphasizing their state or condition in the past. For instance, "Among the books, "those that were" damaged were set aside".

What is a more formal alternative to "those that were"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "that which was" or specifying the noun, such as "the individuals that were". These alternatives add a layer of sophistication appropriate for academic or professional contexts.

How does "those that were" differ from "those who were"?

"Those that were" can refer to both people and things, while "those who were" is exclusively for people. Using "those who were" adds a personal touch, whereas "those that were" can be more neutral.

When should I avoid using "those that were"?

Avoid "those that were" if the reference is unclear. If the reader might not immediately understand what "those" refers to, it's better to use a more specific phrase. Consider rewriting the sentence to remove ambiguity.