was like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was like that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state or condition that existed in the past. Example: "When I first saw the painting, it was like that, full of vibrant colors and energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Shelley was like that, too.

The New Yorker

Detroit was like that, too.

The New Yorker

"I was like that, too.

The New York Times

Actually, I was like that, too.

The New Yorker

Bosnia was like that for me.

The New York Times

"She was like that," Ms. Shelton said.

The New York Times

"I was like that coming up.

The New York Times

It was like that between them.

The New Yorker

"It was like that at Bain Capital.

The New York Times

"He was like that for 20 years.

The New York Times

She was like that in person, too.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was like that" to draw a parallel between two situations or behaviors, ensuring clarity in your comparison. This phrase works best when the 'that' refers to something previously mentioned or easily understood in context.

Common error

Avoid using "was like that" without a clear reference for 'that'. Ensure the antecedent is obvious to prevent confusion. Instead of saying "The situation was like that", specify: "The situation was like the crisis of 1929".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was like that" functions as a comparative connector, linking a subject to a previously mentioned state, condition, or characteristic. Ludwig examples showcase its role in drawing parallels across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was like that" serves as a versatile tool for drawing comparisons and establishing similarities across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, especially within news and media sources. While appropriate for most situations, opting for more precise language may benefit formal writing styles. Remember to maintain clarity by ensuring a clear antecedent for 'that' to avoid any ambiguity. With its frequent occurrence and broad applicability, "was like that" is a valuable addition to your linguistic toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was similar in that way

Replaces 'like that' with 'similar in that way', emphasizing similarity.

possessed those qualities

Emphasizes the presence of certain characteristics instead of a direct comparison.

exhibited similar traits

Highlights shared traits rather than a complete likeness.

mirrored that condition

Implies a reflection of a specific state or circumstance.

reflected that behavior

Focuses on the reflection of a certain behavior.

had that characteristic

Highlights a specific trait that was present.

shared those attributes

Emphasizes the sharing of particular qualities.

followed that pattern

Indicates a replication of a specific pattern or trend.

behaved in a similar fashion

Stresses a likeness in behavior or manner.

presented in a similar manner

Highlights a likeness in the manner of presentation.

FAQs

How can I use "was like that" in a sentence?

Use "was like that" to compare a current or past situation to a previously mentioned one. For example, "His previous job was stressful, this one "is just like that"".

What does "was like that" mean?

The phrase "was like that" means that something or someone had similar characteristics, qualities, or behaviors as something or someone else previously mentioned or understood in the context.

What's the difference between "was like that" and "was like this"?

"Was like that" refers to something previously mentioned or understood, while "was like this" is often used to demonstrate or describe something in the present moment or a hypothetical situation.

Can I use "was like that" in formal writing?

While "was like that" is generally acceptable, formal writing may benefit from more precise and descriptive language. Consider alternatives such as "exhibited similar traits" or "possessed those qualities".