was of a vs was that of a

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Was of a' is used when describing a characteristic or quality of something, while 'was that of a' is used when comparing or identifying a specific quality or characteristic.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 1465 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"was of a"

This phrase is used to describe a characteristic or quality of something. It is often followed by a noun or noun phrase.

Examples:

The taste was of a sweet dessert.
The smell was of a fresh garden.
The sound was of a distant thunderstorm.

Show examples from the web [+]

Jun 26, 2015 ... "The attack was of a terrorist nature since a body was discovered, decapitated and with inscriptions. As I speak, there is one fatality and two ...
Jun 26, 2015 ... BRUSSELS - French President Francois Hollande said on Friday that an attack that morning in southeast France was of "a terrorist nature" and ...
They also worried that the bomb might be a dud since the Trinity test was of a stationary device, not an air-dropped bomb. In addition, only two bombs would be ...
Elizabeth was of a calmer and more concentrated disposition; but, with all my ardour, I was capable of a more intense application, and was more deeply smitten ...

Alternatives:

had a
possessed a
displayed a

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"was that of a"

This phrase is used when comparing or identifying a specific quality or characteristic. It is often followed by a noun or noun phrase.

Examples:

His writing style was that of a seasoned author.
Her leadership was that of a true visionary.
The painting's beauty was that of a masterpiece.

Show examples from the web [+]

DHMH Press Releases : Maryland confirms first 2015 heat-related death was that of a child. Page Image. Image Caption. 7/16/2015. Page Content. Maryland's ...
... unspoken parallels with the Anglican and Catholic priesthood, but the overriding metaphor in James's handbook was that of a father's relation to his children.
Washington's rank was that of a "three-star general" during the Revolution, and the United States military, using English-style general ranks which incorporated ...
I felt invincible. My strength was that of a giant. God was certainly standing by me. I smashed five saloons with rocks before I ever took a hatchet. Carry Nation ...

Alternatives:

resembled that of a
mirrored that of a
echoed that of a

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was of a vs was that of a

"was of a"

"was that of a"

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