was that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a question or statement to emphasize or clarify something that was previously mentioned. Example: "I can't believe how long the movie was. It felt like it would never end. Was that really three hours?" (In this example, "was that" is used to confirm the length of the movie and emphasize how long it felt.) Another example: "The presentation was a huge success. Was that due to all the hard work you put into it?" (Here, "was that" is used to clarify the reason for the success of the presentation.).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was that bond.

The New York Times

Who was that woman?

The New York Times

Was that détente overstated?

The New York Times

Was that appealing?

The New York Times

WASHINGTON What was that?

The New York Times

Was that normal?

The New York Times

It was that loud.

The New York Times - Sports

I was that councillor.

Independent

Was that snark?

The New Yorker

Was that enough time?

The New York Times

Was that legal?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was that" to seek confirmation or clarification about a statement or event. It is particularly useful in conversational settings or when summarising information.

Common error

Avoid using "was that" when a more specific question is appropriate. For instance, instead of "Was that expensive?", ask "How much did it cost?" for a direct answer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was that" primarily functions as an interrogative phrase, used to seek clarification, confirmation, or repetition of a previous statement or event. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to ensure understanding.

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 that" serves as a common and grammatically correct way to seek confirmation, clarification, or repetition in both formal and informal settings. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common use, predominantly within News & Media sources. When using "was that", consider the context to ensure it appropriately seeks confirmation rather than a more detailed explanation. Alternatives like "did you say that" or "is that correct" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what did you say

Directly asks for clarification of a statement.

is that true

Directly questions the veracity of a statement.

is that correct

Specifically seeks confirmation of accuracy.

can you explain that

Requests a more detailed explanation.

did that happen

Focuses specifically on whether an event occurred, rather than general inquiry.

are you sure about that

Expresses doubt or seeks reassurance regarding a statement.

did i hear correctly

Questions whether something was heard accurately.

how was that

Inquires about the manner or quality of something.

is that so

Expresses surprise or disbelief.

can you repeat that

Asks for a repetition of something previously stated.

FAQs

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

The phrase "was that" is generally used to ask for confirmation or repetition of something that was said. For example, you might say, "I thought you said you were leaving early. Was that correct?"

What's the difference between "was that" and "is that"?

"Was that" refers to something in the past, while "is that" refers to something in the present. For example, "Was that the movie we watched last night?" vs. "Is that the new car you bought?"

What can I say instead of "was that"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "did you say that", "is that correct", or "are you sure".

Is it correct to say "was that what you meant"?

Yes, "was that what you meant" is grammatically correct and commonly used to confirm someone's intended meaning. Other options include "is that what you meant" or "did you mean".