was as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare two things or to indicate a similarity in a past context. Example: "The weather yesterday was as unpredictable as it was last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was as expected.

Cornell University

He was as good as they were.

The Economist

Tonight was as big as it gets".

The New York Times - Sports

Our guess was as good as hers.

The New Yorker

I was as sorry as everyone else.

The New York Times

I was as unnerved as anyone.

The New Yorker

Everything was as sharp as a knife.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Emlen was as happy as a lark.

The New York Times - Sports

All of that was as usual.

The New Yorker

It was as thick as ever overhead.

The New Yorker

But not everyone was as moved.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was as" to draw direct comparisons between two subjects, ensuring clarity and emphasizing the degree of similarity. For instance, "The movie "was as" captivating as the book."

Common error

Avoid using "was as" when the intention is to express a difference or inequality. For such instances, consider using "was not as" or "was less" to accurately convey the intended meaning. For example, instead of saying "The sequel "was as" good as the original" when it wasn't, use "The sequel was not as good as the original."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "was as" is as a comparative conjunction, connecting two elements to indicate a similarity in quality or degree. As Ludwig AI explains, it helps to draw parallels and establish a relation of equivalence between subjects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

20%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was as" functions as a comparative conjunction to express equivalence or similarity between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and suitable for various writing contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic writing, this expression exhibits a neutral register and helps to create direct comparisons. Remember to use "was as" for singular subjects in the past tense. Alternatives such as "was similar to" or "appeared to be" can be used to express similar meanings with subtle differences. Use "was as" to make direct comparisons and avoid it when expressing inequality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was on par with

Indicates equality in terms of quality, status, or performance.

was comparable to

Suggests a basis for comparison, implying shared characteristics.

was similar to

Highlights resemblance without necessarily indicating perfect equivalence.

held the same level as

Emphasizes maintaining an equivalent standard or degree.

appeared to be

Emphasizes observation and deduction, implying a degree of uncertainty.

resembled

Focuses on visual or superficial similarities.

seemed like

Focuses on appearance or impression rather than direct equality.

mirrored

Implies a direct reflection or close correspondence.

equaled

Indicates a precise match or balance between two elements.

approached

Suggests nearness to a certain quality or state, without fully reaching it.

FAQs

How can I use "was as" in a sentence?

Use "was as" to compare two things directly, showing their similarity. For example, "The concert "was as" amazing as everyone said it would be." It can be used to describe a state of being, condition, or quality equivalent to something else.

What are some alternatives to "was as"?

Alternatives include "was similar to", "appeared to be", or "was comparable to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "were as" instead of "was as"?

No, use "were as" when referring to plural subjects. For example, "The apples were as delicious as the pears." "Was as" is for singular subjects, like "The apple "was as" delicious as the pear."

What's the difference between "was as" and "is as"?

"Was as" refers to a past state, while "is as" refers to a present state. For instance, "The food "was as" good as I remembered" (past) versus "The food is as good as I remember" (present).