was to make

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was to make" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an intention or purpose in the past. Example: "The goal of the project was to make a significant impact on the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The quest was to make the Olympics.

The New York Times - Sports

One solution was to make it shorter.

The New Yorker

"They said it was to make money.

The New Yorker

"My aim was to make the semifinal.

The New York Times - Sports

Spieth was to make par.

The Guardian - Sport

The effect was to make Park Avenue possible.

The New Yorker

"Howard's legacy was to make that commonplace".

The New York Times - Arts

The goal was to make sparklers.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The message was to make them disappear".

The New York Times

"Their goal was to make money".

The New York Times

His strategy was to make more movies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was to make" to clearly indicate a past intention or purpose, ensuring the context provides sufficient information about who had the intention and what they were trying to achieve.

Common error

Avoid using "was to make" when referring to current or future intentions. Use "is to make" or "will make" instead to maintain correct tense and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was to make" functions as an infinitive phrase indicating a past intention, purpose, or planned action. This is supported by Ludwig AI, indicating correct usage. It's commonly found preceding verbs or verb phrases to describe the intended outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was to make" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to indicate a past intention, goal, or planned action. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While it maintains a neutral tone, it trends toward formality in academic and business settings. To ensure clarity, use "was to make" to clearly state the purpose behind past actions, and remember to adjust the tense when referring to present or future intentions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intended to create

Focuses on the intention behind the action, emphasizing the planning aspect.

aimed to produce

Highlights the goal of producing something tangible or intangible.

designed to develop

Emphasizes the planning and engineering aspect of creating something.

scheduled to construct

Implies a firm plan and timeline for building or assembling something.

meant to generate

Focuses on the expected outcome or result of the action.

tasked with building

Highlights the assignment or responsibility given to someone.

had the objective to form

Stresses the purpose or aim of the action.

planned to assemble

Indicates a prearranged process of putting parts together.

set out to fabricate

Emphasizes the process of manufacturing or creating something.

strove to compose

Highlights the effort and creativity involved in creating something complex.

FAQs

How can I use "was to make" in a sentence?

Use "was to make" to describe a past intention or plan. For example, "The goal "was to make" the team more competitive."

What are some alternatives to "was to make"?

Alternatives include "intended to create", "aimed to produce", or "designed to develop", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. These options provide similar meanings while offering variety in your writing.

Which is correct: "was to make" or "is to make"?

"Was to make" is used for past intentions, while "is to make" is used for present intentions. For example, "His plan "was to make" a film" (past), vs. "His plan is to make a film" (present).

How does "was to make" differ from "wanted to make"?

"Was to make" implies a formal plan or arrangement, while "wanted to make" simply expresses a desire. "The agreement "was to make" sure everyone was heard" suggests a structured process. "She wanted to make a cake" simply states her desire.