Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

was though

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was though" is not correct and does not form a coherent expression in written English.
It may be intended to convey a contrast or concession, but it requires additional context or restructuring to be usable. Example: "He was, though, not as confident as he appeared."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was, though, character.

It was, though, appropriate.

There was, though, one intriguing subplot.

There was, though, a significant new difference.

News & Media

Independent

There was, though, one intriguing anomaly.

News & Media

The Economist

I think he was, though".

There was, though, ample cause for concern.

News & Media

The New York Times

I was, though, because they tasted great.

News & Media

The New York Times

He was, though, totally and utterly beaten.

The area was, though, beginning to change.

News & Media

The Guardian

It was, though, a start, a reawakening.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, avoid using "was though". Instead, opt for alternatives that clearly signal a contrast or concession, such as "was, even so" or "was, in spite of that".

Common error

Avoid using "was though" as a standalone phrase to indicate contrast or concession. This construction is grammatically incorrect and requires additional words or a different structure to convey the intended meaning effectively. Instead of saying, "The movie was long, was though", consider rewriting it as, "The movie was long; however, I enjoyed it".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

94%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was though" functions as an attempt to introduce a contrasting element or concession within a sentence. However, according to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically incorrect and requires additional context or restructuring to be considered acceptable. The function is to signal a shift in thought, similar to "however" or "nevertheless".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "was though" appears frequently, particularly in news and media sources, it is considered grammatically incorrect by Ludwig AI. Its purpose is to express contrast or concession, but its informal nature makes it unsuitable for formal writing. To improve clarity and grammatical correctness, replace "was though" with alternatives such as "was however" or "was nevertheless". Always consider the context and register when choosing the most appropriate phrasing.

FAQs

How can I properly use "was though" in a sentence?

The phrase "was though" is not grammatically correct and should be replaced with more appropriate alternatives. Consider using phrases like "was however", "was nevertheless", or restructuring the sentence for clarity.

What's a more formal substitute for "was though"?

For formal contexts, replace "was though" with phrases that clearly signal contrast or concession, such as "was even so", "was in spite of that", or "was be that as it may".

Is "was though" grammatically correct?

No, "was though" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. It requires additional context or restructuring to be usable. It is advisable to use more explicit contrasting phrases.

Can I use "was though" in informal writing?

While "was though" may appear in informal contexts, it's still advisable to use clearer alternatives for better communication. Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, consider replacing it with "was however" or a restructured sentence.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

94%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: