was part of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was part of" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to indicate that something is one component or element of a larger whole. Example: The new CEO's aggressive management style truly was part of the company's success.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was part of her.

The New Yorker

"She was part of it.

The New York Times - Science

That was part of it.

Forbes

It was part of me.

Independent

I was part of something.

The New York Times - Travel

That was part of me".

The New York Times

"I was part of apartheid.

The New York Times

Shakespeare was part of this.

The New York Times - Arts

Timing was part of it.

The New York Times - Sports

I was part of that".

The New York Times

Hal was part of the admissions committee.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was part of" to clearly indicate that something is a component, element, or member of a larger whole. This phrase is suitable for describing roles, contributions, or inclusion.

Common error

Avoid using "was part of" when referring to something that constitutes the entirety of something else. The phrase indicates a portion, not the whole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was part of" functions as a predicate adjective, linking a subject to a descriptor indicating its inclusion, membership, or contribution to something larger. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was part of" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate that something constituted a portion, element, or member of a larger whole. Ludwig AI validates this assessment. Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse communication scenarios. Related phrases include "constituted a portion of" and "formed an element of". When employing this phrase, remember it indicates inclusion, not totality, and avoid its use when referring to something complete in itself. The high frequency and clear usage patterns suggest that "was part of" is a reliable choice for expressing relationships of inclusion in both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was included within

Indicates containment or membership in a group or set.

formed an element of

Highlights the role as a component within a larger structure.

constituted a portion of

Formal phrasing emphasizing the contribution to a whole.

was among the contributors to

Highlights participation and contribution within a group effort.

played a role in

Focuses on active participation and influence.

made up a fraction of

Highlights the proportional contribution to a total.

figured as a component in

Emphasizes its status as a constituent part.

was instrumental to

Indicates significant importance and contribution to an outcome.

had a hand in

Suggests involvement and contribution, often in a more subtle way.

belonged to the fabric of

Emphasizes integration and essential nature.

FAQs

How can I use "was part of" in a sentence?

The phrase "was part of" indicates that something constituted a portion or element of a larger whole. For example, "His contribution "was part of" the team's success".

What are some alternatives to "was part of"?

Alternatives include "constituted a portion of", "formed an element of", or "played a role in", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "was part of"?

Yes, avoid using "was part of" if the subject constitutes the entirety of something, rather than just a portion. It's appropriate only when referring to a component or member of a larger whole.

What's the difference between "was part of" and "was integral to"?

"Was part of" indicates simple inclusion or membership. "Was integral to", on the other hand, suggests something was essential or indispensable. For example, oxygen "was integral to" the experiment's success.