sometimes there are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sometimes there are" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that on certain occasions, specific situations or occurrences exist. Example: "Sometimes there are unexpected challenges that arise during a project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sometimes there are themes.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, there are exaggerations".

The New York Times

Sometimes there are Kimjongilia ones.

The Economist

SOMETIMES there are Kimilsungia exhibitions.

The Economist

Sometimes there are bugs.

The New York Times - Arts

Sometimes there are beatings.

The Guardian

But sometimes there are sequels.

The New York Times

Sometimes there are only two.

The New York Times

Now, sometimes there are clues.

The New York Times - Health

"Sometimes there are air pockets".

The New York Times

But sometimes there are some strange ones.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sometimes there are", ensure the context clearly indicates what occurs intermittently. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject or situation that exists "sometimes".

Common error

Avoid using "sometimes there are" without providing specific examples or context. Overgeneralizing can make your statement vague and less impactful. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sometimes there are" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a clause, indicating that the existence or occurrence of something is not constant but happens on occasion. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage is correct and frequent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sometimes there are" is a grammatically correct and very common adverbial phrase used to indicate that something occurs intermittently. According to Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for general communication across various contexts, particularly in news and media. To ensure clarity, specify what occurs "sometimes" and avoid overgeneralization. Remember that Ludwig provides various examples and validates the correct usage of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

every now and then, there are

Uses a more informal expression to convey the sporadic nature of the occurrence.

occasionally, there exist

Replaces "sometimes" with "occasionally" and "are" with "exist", altering the tone slightly towards more formal.

not always, but there are

Highlights the non-constant nature of the occurrence, making it clear it's not a regular event.

on occasion, you'll see

Replaces "sometimes" with "on occasion" and adopts a more conversational and less formal style.

there are instances when

Rephrases the entire structure to focus on specific instances rather than a general occurrence.

there can be instances of

Focuses on the possibility of instances occurring, rather than stating their existence outright.

at times, one may find

Uses "at times" instead of "sometimes" and employs a more indirect and formal phrasing.

it happens that sometimes

Adds an introductory phrase to soften the statement and emphasize the occasional nature.

periodically, we observe

Substitutes "sometimes" with "periodically" and uses "we observe" for a more scientific or observational tone.

certainly, there exist

Emphasizes the certainty of existence while still conveying that it's not a constant occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "sometimes there are" in a sentence?

Use "sometimes there are" to indicate that specific situations or occurrences happen occasionally. For example, "Sometimes there are unexpected challenges that arise during a project."

What can I say instead of "sometimes there are"?

You can use alternatives like "occasionally there exist", "at times one may find", or "periodically we observe" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "sometimes there are" or "sometimes, there are"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "sometimes there are" is more common. Adding a comma after "sometimes" is optional and depends on the desired emphasis or flow of the sentence.

What's the difference between "sometimes there are" and "often there are"?

"Sometimes there are" indicates that something happens occasionally, while "often there are" suggests that something happens frequently. The choice depends on the actual frequency you want to convey.