was a part of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was a part of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something was included in a group, event, or situation in the past. Example: "She was a part of the committee that organized the charity event last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was a part of it.

The New York Times - Sports

Cheese was a part of that.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was a part of history.

The New Yorker

I was a part of that".

The New York Times - Sports

And drinking was a part of that.

The New Yorker

It was a part of our family.

The New York Times

But I was a part of it".

The New York Times - Magazine

It was a part of Newfoundland.

The New Yorker

I never was a part of that.

The Guardian - Music

The violin was a part of Menuhin.

The Guardian - Music

"And Tupac was a part of that.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when selecting synonyms. While "was involved in" or "participated in" can often be used interchangeably, they may subtly shift the focus from simple inclusion to active engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "was a part of" when you actually mean "was apart from". "Apart" indicates separation, while "a part" indicates inclusion. Double-check your intended meaning to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was a part of" functions as a linking phrase, indicating that a subject had some degree of involvement or inclusion in a larger entity, event, or group. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was a part of" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to express inclusion or involvement in something. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and frequent use across various sources, particularly news and media. While grammatically sound, writers should consider the nuance of meaning when selecting synonyms like "was involved in" or "participated in". Pay attention to avoid confusion with "apart from", which indicates separation. Overall, the phrase is a reliable way to convey past association or membership.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was involved in

Focuses on the action of participating or being included in an activity or event.

was included in

Highlights the state of being contained or incorporated within a larger whole.

participated in

Emphasizes the active role taken in an event or activity.

contributed to

Stresses the action of giving or supplying something to a common purpose.

played a role in

Indicates the performance of a specific function or part in a larger process.

had a hand in

Suggests involvement or influence in a less direct or obvious manner.

was instrumental in

Highlights the importance of the contribution to the outcome.

figured in

Indicates the presence or involvement in a narrative or account.

was complicit in

Suggests shared responsibility for wrongdoing or unethical actions.

was associated with

Focuses on the connection or relationship to a particular thing or idea.

FAQs

How can I use "was a part of" in a sentence?

Use "was a part of" to show inclusion or involvement in something, like, "She "was a part of" the team that won the championship".

What's a more formal alternative to "was a part of"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "was involved in" or "participated in" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "was a part of" and "was apart from"?

Yes, "was a part of" means included, while "was apart from" means separated. Be careful to choose the correct phrase to reflect your intended meaning.

What are some situations where "was a part of" might not be the best choice?

In some contexts, a more specific verb might be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "He "was a part of" the project", you could say "He led the project" or "He contributed to the project" if those actions more accurately describe his role.