was that of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'was that of' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate a comparison between two or more things. For example, "The complexity of the problem was that of an advanced engineering project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their domain was that of incantations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was that of a believer.

The New York Times - Travel

The voice was that of the coach.

Independent

The first was that of Timothy Ray Brown.

The New Yorker

Histology was that of normal hyaline cartilage.

Stanford University

One voice was that of Mr. Hanssen.

The New York Times

Another wealthy court was that of Macedon.

Britannica

Another revival was that of law.

Britannica

Neither was that of the four dancers.

The New York Times - Arts

The issue was that of plagiarism.

The New Yorker

The luckiest discovery was that of two Roman coins.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was that of" to draw a direct comparison or to specify the nature or characteristic of something in a clear and formal way. It's particularly effective when defining roles, qualities, or attributes.

Common error

Avoid using "was that of" in overly casual or informal writing. In such contexts, simpler alternatives like "was" or "involved" often sound more natural and less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was that of" serves as a linking verb phrase that connects a subject to a predicate nominative. It explicitly defines or describes the subject by equating it to the noun phrase that follows, clarifying its nature or role. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, from defining responsibilities to describing characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

27%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was that of" functions as a linking phrase used to define or describe something, particularly in writing. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness. While its usage is varied across different contexts such as news, academia, and encyclopedias, it is generally considered more formal and precise. Alternatives like "consisted of" or "involved" can be more appropriate for casual communication. It’s important to consider the context to ensure effective use of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consisted of

Replaces "was that of" by focusing on the composition or elements included in something.

comprised of

Similar to 'consisted of', this phrase indicates the components making up a whole.

involved

This suggests that something included or necessitated specific elements or actions.

entailed

Indicates that something necessarily included or involved particular steps or conditions.

amounted to

Highlights the resultant effect or total when something is evaluated or concluded.

equaled

Directly states that two things are of the same value or amount.

represented

Focuses on how something symbolizes or stands for something else.

characterized by

Emphasizes the key attributes or features that define something.

reflected in

Implies that something shows or demonstrates a particular quality or characteristic.

illustrated by

Signifies that something is shown or made clear through a specific example or instance.

FAQs

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

Use "was that of" to describe or define something by comparing it to something else, such as, "His primary responsibility "was that of" project manager".

What are some alternatives to "was that of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "consisted of", "comprised of", or simply using "involved" or "included" depending on the context.

Is "was that of" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "was that of" is generally considered formal and is more suitable for written contexts or formal speech. Simpler alternatives are preferred in casual conversation.

Which is correct: "the problem was that of funding" or "the problem was funding"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "the problem was funding" is more concise and generally preferred in most contexts. "The problem "was that of" funding" adds a layer of formality.