wherever it was

USAGE SUMMARY

'wherever it was' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a place or location that is unknown, unspecified, or undetermined. For example, "We looked for the lost key wherever it was."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If the game was not bought through Steam, you'll have to dig around its directory (wherever it was installed) to find the files.

WikiHow

Its exact boundaries were still unclear, but wherever it was, it had no suburbs.

The New York Times - Magazine

HE HAD to get there, wherever it was.

The Economist

Spinach, wherever it was used, was too salty.

The New York Times

They would not, Mr. Larson said, return to that location (wherever it was).

The New York Times

He wouldn't put up with mediocrity, wherever it was coming from.

Independent

Wherever it was, no one doubted that he had committed suicide.

The New Yorker

He promised Kostya a postcard from wherever it was that he landed.

The New Yorker

We had missed the reconstructed cisterns and wherever it was that Cain and Abel were buried.

The New Yorker

Wherever it was, it would be at the front of the parade.

The New York Times

Now Edgar was the indispensable Mariner, the soul of the franchise, wherever it was going.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wherever it was" when you want to indicate that a location is unknown or unspecified but relevant to the context. For example, "He promised to send a postcard from "wherever it was" that he landed."

Common error

Avoid using "wherever it was" in highly formal or technical writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound too informal. Instead, opt for more precise language, such as "at an unspecified location" or "at the location in question".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wherever it was" functions as an adverbial clause, modifying a verb or entire sentence to indicate an unspecified or unknown location. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

22%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wherever it was" functions as an adverbial clause used to indicate an unspecified or unknown location, as reported by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and appears frequently in various types of writing, particularly in news, media and scientific contexts. While versatile, it may be too informal for highly technical or formal pieces where more precise alternatives should be considered. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants the vagueness it implies. Remember that phrases such as "no matter the location" and "at the location in question" can add a formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

where it may have been

This alternative adds a sense of possibility or uncertainty about the location.

where it happened to be

This alternative focuses on the accidental or incidental nature of the location.

at whatever spot it existed

This alternative emphasizes the existence and uncertainty of the exact place.

in whatever place it might be

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the uncertainty of the location.

regardless of the place

This alternative is slightly more emphatic and stresses a lack of concern about the location.

irrespective of its whereabouts

This alternative is more formal and focuses on the unknown location.

no matter the location

This alternative emphasizes the irrelevance of the location.

at any given location

This alternative is a bit more general, implying a range of possible locations.

the place in question

This alternative is more direct and refers to a specific, though perhaps unknown, place.

the location in question

This alternative focuses on a specific, though perhaps unknown, location.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "wherever it was" to sound more formal?

Consider using alternatives like "at an unspecified location", "at the location in question", or "irrespective of its whereabouts" for a more formal tone. See also "no matter the location".

Is "wherever it was" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "wherever it was" may be too informal for academic writing. Opt for a more precise and formal alternative like "at the aforementioned location" or "at an unspecified location" if the location is unknown.

What's the difference between "wherever it was" and "where it was"?

"Wherever it was" implies a lack of specific knowledge or concern about the location, while "where it was" typically refers to a previously mentioned or understood location. "Wherever it was" often adds a sense of vagueness or uncertainty.

When should I use "wherever it was" in my writing?

Use "wherever it was" when the specific location is not important, unknown, or relevant to the point you are making. It's best used in informal contexts or when adding a touch of vagueness. See also "where it happened to be".