That was vs That it was

Both "that was" and "that it was" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "That was" is commonly used to refer to something that happened in the past, while "that it was" is used when providing additional information or clarification about a previous statement.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 1191 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to something that happened in the past.

"That was"

Use "that was" to refer to an action, event, or situation that occurred in the past.

Examples:

I remember that was a great party.
She said that was the best movie she had ever seen.
The day that was supposed to be sunny turned out to be rainy.
He mentioned that was his first time visiting the city.
The book that was on the shelf is now missing.

Show examples from the web [+]

That was the Harvey Wallbanger talking.
That was our fearless leader principal Brecker.
That was champagne, nothing more.
That was one serial killer years ago.
That was a two-way biological metacrisis.
That was some fancy shooting earlier.
That was carved with this rock today.
That was before castor saw your script.
That was a silver star day.
That was the saddest funeral ever.
That was before I met your little plastic boyfriend.
That was the day before yesterday.
That was the scariest eskimo kiss ever.
That was all she had left.
That was my first and last zip-line adventure.
That was about Schomburg, sir.
That was more horrifying than nunsense.
That was placed in locker number allegro.
That was the maddest Christmas ever.
That was not my finest parenting hour.

Alternatives:

that happened
that occurred
that took place

This phrase is correct and is used when providing additional information or clarification about a previous statement.

"That it was"

Use "that it was" to add more detail or explanation to a previous statement or to clarify a point.

Examples:

She mentioned that it was her first time traveling alone.
He explained that it was the reason for his absence.
The teacher confirmed that it was indeed the correct answer.
The fact that it was raining made the outdoor event challenging.
The team leader emphasized that it was a team effort.

Show examples from the web [+]

That it was just a little thing, an innocent.
That it was her, not me.
That it was your real home.
That it was important to rise up and speak out against the regime.
That it was freebo who killed her.
That it was a one-time mistake.
That it was hide and seek.
That it was a play for the big prize.
That it was all a mistake.
That it was wrong to be with Anna Odell.
That it was nearly impossible to get that oil.
That it was only his body that went west.
That it was all God's will.
That it was temporary, just for a while.
That it was easy to walk away.
That it was a kind of charade.
That it was remotely updated via Wi-Fi connection approximately two months ago.
That it was a very big decision.
That it was placed on his desk to give the illusion of Dutch courage.
That it was someone else, some other part of him.

Alternatives:

that it happened to be
that it turned out to be
that it was indeed

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That was vs That it was

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