were part of that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were part of that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something was included in a particular group, event, or situation in the past. Example: "Many volunteers were part of that initiative to clean up the local park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We were part of that.

The Economist

The ever-present 4motion sunglasses – which Jones discovered in the brand's existing range – were part of that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But we were part of that.

Huffington Post

Missed shots and opportunities were part of that.

Los Angeles Times

As is common, homophobic ignorance and religious oppression were part of that.

Huffington Post

The Stones were part of that scene.

Independent

"These acquisitions were part of that effort".

The New York Times

The Hitchcock-Truffaut interviews were part of that revolution.

The Guardian - Film

Joe Lapchick and Lou Carnesecca were part of that bloodstream.

The New York Times - Sports

The nuclear talks were part of that effort.

The New York Times

You imagine the rest of the people looking up wishing they were part of that story.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "were part of that" with a more specific verb to enhance clarity and provide more detail about the nature of the involvement. For example, use "participated in", "contributed to", or "led" if appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "were part of that" when the reference to "that" is unclear or too distant in the text. Ensure the antecedent is immediately clear to prevent reader confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were part of that" functions as a predicate adjective, indicating that subjects belonged to, or were included in, a previously referenced group, event, or situation. Ludwig shows numerous examples in news and media contexts, illustrating its common usage in describing past affiliations or involvements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were part of that" is a versatile phrase used to indicate past inclusion or involvement in a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, consider using more specific alternatives like "participated in" or "contributed to" for enhanced clarity. Ensure the reference to "that" is clear to avoid ambiguity. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "were part of that" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

participated in that

Replaces "were part of" with a more active verb, emphasizing direct involvement.

involved in that

Similar to "were part of", but focuses on the state of being engaged or implicated.

included in that

Emphasizes that something or someone was contained within a larger group or event.

a member of that

Specifically denotes belonging to a particular group or organization.

a component of that

Highlights the role as a constituent element or aspect of something.

associated with that

Suggests a connection or link to something, not necessarily direct involvement.

figured in that

Implies having a role or presence in a particular event or situation.

contributed to that

Emphasizes the act of giving or supplying something to achieve a result.

instrumental in that

Indicates a significant role in bringing about a particular result.

connected to that

Similar to "associated with", but may imply a more direct relationship.

FAQs

What does "were part of that" mean?

The phrase "were part of that" means being included in or involved with a specific group, event, or situation that has already been mentioned or is otherwise understood in context. It indicates belonging or participation.

How can I use "were part of that" in a sentence?

You can use "were part of that" to indicate that someone or something was included in a particular group, event, or situation. For example, "Many volunteers "were part of that initiative" to clean up the local park."

What can I say instead of "were part of that"?

You can use alternatives like "participated in that", "involved in that", or "included in that" depending on the context.

Is "were part of that" formal or informal?

"Were part of that" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more specific alternatives might be preferred in highly formal writing.