was this one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was this one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific item or instance in a conversation or text, often to clarify or confirm which one is being discussed. Example: "I wasn't sure if you meant the red shirt or the blue one. Was this one what you were talking about?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Therestory is developing..

Huffington Post

But there was this one store I didn't want to give up on.

Huffington Post

(It was this one).

The New York Times

Was this one?

The New Yorker

(The clip was this one).

The New Yorker

There was this one project, though.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"I was shocked that it was this one-sided.

Huffington Post

Why is this one so bad?

The New Yorker

That is this one.

Yale University

So is this one.

Yale University

As is this one.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was this one" when you want to confirm or clarify a specific item or instance that has been previously mentioned or is implicitly understood in the context. It helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "was this one" excessively in highly formal writing where more precise or descriptive language may be more appropriate. Instead, opt for alternatives like "is this the aforementioned item?" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was this one" functions primarily as an interrogative expression, used to seek confirmation or clarification about a specific item, instance, or entity previously mentioned or implied. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was this one" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used for seeking confirmation or clarification. As supported by Ludwig's analysis, it's commonly found in various contexts, notably News & Media and Academia, indicating a neutral to slightly informal register. Alternatives like "is this it?" or "did you mean this one?" can offer nuanced variations in meaning or tone. While the phrase is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal settings should be avoided. By understanding its function and purpose, you can confidently incorporate "was this one" into your writing and speech to enhance clarity and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is this it

Focuses on confirmation or identification, similar to "was this one", but more concise.

could this be it

Expresses a sense of possibility or discovery regarding the identified item.

did you mean this one

Directly asks for confirmation, adding a personal touch.

is this the one you mentioned

Adds context by referencing a previous mention, providing more clarity.

was it this particular one

Emphasizes the specificity of the item being referred to.

does this match

Shifts the focus to matching or comparing against a reference.

is this what you were referring to

Seeks to establish a connection with something previously discussed.

might this be the correct one

Suggests a degree of uncertainty or speculation about the item's correctness.

is this the appropriate choice

Introduces the aspect of appropriateness or suitability.

are we talking about this item

Clarifies the subject of discussion, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

FAQs

How can I use "was this one" in a sentence?

You can use "was this one" to confirm something. For example, "I wasn't sure which movie you meant; /s/was+this+one the comedy you were talking about?"

What's a more formal alternative to "was this one"?

In formal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "is this the item in question?" or "does this correspond to the aforementioned example?" which provide a more professional tone.

Is "was this one" grammatically correct?

Yes, "was this one" is grammatically correct. It's a common way to ask for confirmation about something previously mentioned or understood in context.

How does the meaning of "was this one" change with different intonation?

The intonation used with "was this one" can affect its meaning. A rising intonation typically indicates a question seeking confirmation, while a falling intonation may express surprise or disbelief.