was greater

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was greater" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare quantities, values, or qualities in the past, indicating that one was larger or more significant than another. Example: "The population of the city was greater in 1990 than it is today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nicklaus's disappointment was greater.

The New York Times - Sports

Their return on investments, however, was greater.

The New York Times

In Florida, the disparity was greater.

The New York Times

Her achievement was greater for four reasons.

The Guardian

In that sense, there was greater risk.

The New Yorker

For Brody, the pressure was greater.

The New Yorker

The impact on society was greater still.

The Economist

Now the flood was greater still.

The Guardian - Sport

In Harlem, it was greater than fifty.

The New Yorker

There was greater creativity, guile and endeavour.

The Guardian - Sport

There was greater bloom and warmth.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was greater", ensure that the comparison is clear and the units being compared are consistent. For instance, "The risk was greater than anticipated" implies a comparison of the level of risk, not necessarily the consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "was greater" without a clearly defined point of comparison. Saying "The impact was greater" is vague. Instead, specify: "The impact was greater than initially projected."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was greater" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating that one entity or attribute possessed a higher degree or magnitude than another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was greater" serves as a comparative adjective phrase, primarily used to indicate that one thing exceeds another in terms of quantity, size, intensity, or significance. Ludwig AI confirms it’s a correct and common construction, seen frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it is essential to maintain clarity by ensuring the comparison is explicitly defined. Related alternatives such as "was larger", "was higher" or "exceeded" can be used to add variety. Remember that "was greater" is most effective when the comparison is clear and measurable, avoiding vague statements that lack context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was larger

Focuses on size or quantity, making it suitable when comparing numerical values or physical dimensions. More specific than "was greater".

was higher

Emphasizes vertical position or numerical value. Best used when comparing quantifiable data or hierarchical ranks.

exceeded

Expresses surpassing a limit or expectation, implying something went beyond what was anticipated. Slightly less direct than "was greater".

was more significant

Highlights importance or consequence. Appropriate when emphasizing the impact or relevance of something.

was more pronounced

Stresses the clarity or obviousness of a difference. Ideal when highlighting noticeable disparities.

surpassed

Denotes exceeding a certain level or achievement. Suitable when comparing accomplishments or milestones.

was of greater magnitude

Indicates a higher degree of intensity or impact. More formal and emphatic than "was greater".

outweighed

Implies a greater influence or importance, often used in decision-making contexts. Conveys a sense of comparative value.

was superior

Indicates a higher quality or level of skill. Appropriate when assessing comparative merit or excellence.

was amplified

Suggests an increase in strength or intensity. Suitable when describing the enhancement of something.

FAQs

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

Use "was greater" to indicate that something had a higher value, degree, or intensity compared to something else. For example, "The demand for the product "was greater" than the supply".

What are some alternatives to "was greater"?

You can use alternatives like "was larger", "was higher", or "exceeded" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was greater than" or "was more great than"?

"Was greater than" is correct. "More great than" is generally not used because "greater" is already the comparative form of "great". Using "was greater" is grammatically and stylistically preferred.

What is the difference between "was greater than" and "was better than"?

"Was greater than" typically refers to quantifiable or measurable differences, while "was better than" indicates a qualitative assessment of superiority. For example, "The sales "was greater" than last year" (quantifiable) versus "The service "was better than" expected" (qualitative).