was of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'was of' is not considered grammatically correct or usable in written English.
The only instance you might find this phrase is in the phrase 'was of the opinion', where 'of' is used as a preposition. For example: He was of the opinion that the project was a success.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was, of course, wrong.

The Economist

It was of a dancer.

Independent

Which was, of course, important.

Independent

He was, of course, Swiss.

The Economist

This was of great importance.

Independent

It was of her father.

The New Yorker

(Keynes was of similar mind).

The Economist

Lilar was of Flemish origins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

None, however, was of note.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Speed was of the essence.

The New York Times

Opinion was, of course, divided.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When constructing sentences, opt for clearer and more grammatically accepted alternatives like "consisted of" or "was made of" instead of relying heavily on "was of".

Common error

Avoid using "was of" as a generic substitute for more descriptive verbs. This can lead to vague and less impactful writing. Instead, choose verbs that specifically convey the intended meaning, such as "comprised", "consisted", or "belonged".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was of" primarily functions as a linking verb followed by a preposition, attempting to connect a subject with a descriptive attribute or origin. As Ludwig AI highlights, this construction is often grammatically questionable and can be replaced by more precise alternatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

8%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "was of" appears frequently, Ludwig AI points out it is often grammatically questionable and should be used with caution. It attempts to link a subject with a descriptive attribute, origin, or composition, but can typically be replaced with more precise and grammatically sound alternatives such as "consisted of", "made of", or "originated from". Therefore, while common, especially in news and media sources, aiming for clarity and grammatical correctness in your writing means using "was of" sparingly and opting for its stronger alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consisted of

Emphasizes the components or elements that made up a whole.

comprised of

Highlights the parts that constitute a larger entity.

made of

Focuses on the material or substance from which something is constructed.

composed of

Similar to "comprised of", but often used in more formal contexts.

a part of

Indicates that something is an element or segment of a larger whole.

possessed by

Highlights ownership or a characteristic quality.

characterized by

Focuses on the distinctive traits or features of something.

originated from

Emphasizes the source or beginning of something.

derived from

Similar to "originated from", but often used to describe ideas or concepts.

belonged to

Indicates ownership or affiliation.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "was of" in a sentence?

While the phrase "was of" isn't generally considered grammatically correct in modern English, it can appear in specific constructions. One example is "was of the opinion". For alternatives, consider phrases like "consisted of" or "comprised of" depending on the context.

What are some common alternatives to the phrase "was of"?

Depending on the intended meaning, alternatives to "was of" include "made of" (for composition), "consisted of" (for components), "originated from" (for origin), and "belonged to" (for possession).

How can I avoid using "was of" incorrectly in my writing?

To avoid misusing "was of", focus on choosing more precise verbs that accurately reflect the relationship you're trying to convey. Consider whether you're describing composition, origin, possession, or another relationship, and select a verb that fits that meaning.

Is "was of" considered grammatically correct in formal writing?

In most contexts, "was of" is not considered grammatically correct in formal writing. It's often better to use more precise and widely accepted alternatives. For example, instead of "The house was of wood", use "The house was made of wood". Alternatives like "consisted of" and "comprised of" are generally preferred.