where was that

USAGE SUMMARY

"where was that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to clarify something they previously said or wrote. Example: "You said you saw the movie, but where was that?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Where was that plan?

The Washington Post

Where was that moment now?

Yale University

Where Was That Shirt Made?

The New Yorker

Where was that decision made?

The Guardian - Music

Where was that kind of outcry during the London 2012 Olympics?

Huffington Post

Where was that noisethe loudest?

The New York Times

Where was that beanpole kid?

The New Yorker

Where was that evidence?

Yale University

But wait, where was that sweet voice?

The New York Times - Arts

"Where was that other house?" "Abbey Road".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"But where was that fourteen-year-old girl when Galliano had his famous boho-chic show?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "where was that" in writing, ensure the context clearly establishes what "that" refers to. Maintain clarity by referencing it directly.

Common error

Avoid using "where was that" without a clear antecedent for "that". Ensure your audience knows exactly what you're referring to, otherwise the question becomes confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "where was that" primarily functions as an interrogative expression, seeking information about the location or existence of something previously referenced. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "where was that" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to inquire about the location, existence, or availability of something previously mentioned. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its appropriate use in diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media and Academia. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by providing a clear antecedent for "that" and avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "where is that now" or "where could that be" can offer subtle variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

where is that now

Highlights the present absence of something that was previously present.

where did that go

Directly questions the current whereabouts of something.

where has that gone

Focuses on the disappearance of something and its current location.

where could that be

Focuses on the possibility of the item's location, implying uncertainty.

where had that been

Questions a past location, suggesting a period of absence.

where was it located

Specifically asks about the previous physical location.

where might that have been

Speculates about a past location, adding a layer of conjecture.

what's the location of that

A more formal way of asking about the current location.

what became of that

Inquires about the fate or current state of something, implying it may no longer exist.

how did that disappear

Focuses on the manner of disappearance rather than just the location.

FAQs

How can I use "where was that" in a sentence?

You can use "where was that" to express a question regarding a previously mentioned item, idea, or event. For example, "You mentioned a solution; "where was that" described in the report?"

What does "where was that" imply in a conversation?

The phrase "where was that" often implies a sense of surprise, skepticism, or a need for clarification. It suggests the speaker is looking for something that they expected to be present or available. The context provides more information regarding tone.

Is "where was that at" grammatically correct instead of "where was that"?

While understandable in informal speech, adding "at" to the end of "where was that" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. Stick to "where was that" for better clarity and adherence to standard English.

What can I say instead of "where was that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "where was that located?" or "where can that be found?", depending on the context.