was at peace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was at peace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of tranquility or contentment, often in relation to one's emotions or mental state. Example: "After years of turmoil, she finally felt that she was at peace with her past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Prayuth promised elections would take place, but only when Thailand was "at peace".

The Guardian

And in an interview with American network CNN, Makaziwe Mandela said she believed her father was "at peace with himself".

Independent

On Thursday Abbott described Sri Lanka as "not everyone's idea of an ideal society" but one that was "at peace".

The Guardian

When its neighbors perceived a common interest in a peaceful Afghanistan, it was at peace.

The New York Times

He was at peace.

The New York Times - Books

Federer was at peace.

The New York Times - Sports

Girardi was at peace with that decision.

The New York Times - Sports

Dorothy appeared; I was at peace.

The New York Times - Books

At last Russia was at peace.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I was at peace with myself.

Independent

Great Britain was at peace.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was at peace" to describe a state of emotional or mental tranquility achieved after a period of difficulty or conflict. For example, "After years of struggling with her past, she finally felt she "was at peace" with herself."

Common error

Avoid using "was at peace" when describing a temporary absence of conflict. The phrase often implies a deeper, more profound sense of resolution and inner calm, not just a brief respite from problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was at peace" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating a condition or state of being. It describes a subject's emotional or mental condition of tranquility and resolution, as confirmed by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was at peace" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes a state of emotional or mental tranquility. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in a variety of contexts, predominantly within news and media. It's best used to portray a deep sense of resolution and inner calm, rather than a temporary absence of conflict. While alternatives like "felt peaceful" or "was content" exist, "was at peace" carries a unique connotation of profound and lasting serenity. The extensive examples provided by Ludwig highlight its versatility and appropriateness across different writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

felt peaceful

Emphasizes the feeling of peace, rather than a state.

felt serene

Highlights the tranquility and calmness experienced.

was tranquil

Focuses on the state of being calm and undisturbed.

was content

Indicates a feeling of satisfaction and ease.

found serenity

Highlights the act of discovering inner peace.

achieved tranquility

Suggests a deliberate effort to reach a state of calmness.

was in harmony

Implies a balanced and peaceful internal state.

was reconciled

Indicates a resolution of conflict, leading to peace.

was untroubled

Highlights the absence of worry or disturbance.

was in a state of grace

Suggests a spiritual or elevated state of peace.

FAQs

How can I use "was at peace" in a sentence?

You can use "was at peace" to describe a state of tranquility or contentment, often after a period of turmoil. For example, "After meditating for an hour, she felt she "was at peace".

What are some alternatives to "was at peace"?

You can use alternatives like "felt peaceful", "felt serene", or "was content" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is at peace" or "was at peace"?

"Was at peace" refers to a past state of tranquility, while "is at peace" describes a current state. The choice depends on the timeframe you're referencing.

What's the difference between "was at peace" and "was in a state of calm"?

"Was at peace" often implies a deeper emotional or spiritual resolution, whereas "was in a state of calm" can refer to a more temporary or superficial lack of disturbance.