was valuable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was valuable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that had worth or significance in the past. Example: "The feedback we received from our clients was valuable in shaping our new product line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Increased range was valuable for two reasons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The discussion, he believes, was valuable.

Independent

It was valuable in and of itself.

The New York Times - Books

Nevertheless, this very public attempt was valuable.

The New York Times

He said that experience was valuable.

The New York Times

This scrap metal was valuable, they said.

The New York Times

His role was valuable but restricted.

The New York Times - Sports

"We wanted to understand whether it was valuable and what was valuable about it," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The collection is valuable.

The Economist

Technical expertise is valuable.

The New Yorker

They are valuable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "valuable" in your writing. It can imply monetary worth, usefulness, or personal significance. Choose the word that best fits your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "was valuable" as a generic filler phrase. Replace it with a more specific term that accurately reflects the nature of the value, such as "was essential", "was insightful", or "was profitable".

Linguistic Context

"Was valuable" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes a subject by attributing a quality of worth, utility, or importance to it. It predicates that the subject held a certain level of value at some point in the past. As Ludwig AI explains, it's correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was valuable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the worth, significance, or utility of something in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable for use. Its usage spans across various contexts, with a strong presence in news and media, science and encyclopedic content. While versatile, it's crucial to provide clear context to specify the nature and source of the value. Alternatives like "was beneficial" or "was significant" can offer greater precision depending on the intended meaning. Avoiding overuse and ensuring clarity will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

held value

Changes the verb from 'was' to 'held', focusing on the act of possessing value.

proved beneficial

Replaces 'valuable' with 'beneficial', highlighting the positive outcome or advantage provided.

was worthwhile

Highlights that the effort or investment was justified by the outcome.

was advantageous

Uses 'advantageous' to emphasize the favorable or beneficial aspect of something.

offered great benefit

Highlights positive impact by offering benefits

was significant

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of something.

was a great asset

Highlights the positive contribution and usefulness of someone or something.

served its purpose

Focuses on the fulfillment of an intended function or goal.

was of use

Indicates that something had utility or usefulness.

played a key role

Focuses on the importance of something in a specific process or situation.

FAQs

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

Use "was valuable" to describe something that provided a benefit, had importance, or possessed worth in the past. For example, "The experience "was valuable" in shaping my career path."

What are some alternatives to "was valuable"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "was beneficial", "was significant", or "was worthwhile" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use "was valuable"?

While grammatically correct, "was valuable" can be vague. Ensure the context provides sufficient information to understand why something was considered valuable. If not, consider a more descriptive alternative.

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

"Was valuable" indicates something had worth or importance in the past, while "is valuable" suggests it currently possesses that quality. Use "was valuable" when referring to a past event or condition, and "is valuable" when referring to the present.