somewhere it was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhere it was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a location or situation that is not specified, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "In the midst of the chaos, somewhere it was peaceful, a hidden garden untouched by the turmoil."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But they said somewhere, it was, last time I talked to them, they said that it was east of York.

The New York Times

But suddenly, with studio time booked, he had to find an album from somewhere: "It was backward: I'm gonna start a label, so I'm gonna make an album, so I'm gonna write songs, so I gotta sing.

The Guardian - Music

She had disappeared somewhere — it was Sunday and they were both off work; Sunday and their entire future was in question; Sunday and Lilli had left without leaving a note.

The New Yorker

When the sun never set on the British Empire, somewhere it was always over the yardarm, the signal for subjects around the globe to quench their thirst with gin while taking their daily dose of antimalarial quinine, the bitter ingredient in tonic.

The New York Times - Food

Every time we went somewhere it was, 'What's the result, is it good enough to get more money?'.

BBC

If you needed to be somewhere, it was worth it to pay a little bit more to know that a car was on its way and, well, how far away that car would be.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

When you have to be somewhere, it's frustrating".

The New York Times

"But if moss is growing somewhere, it's growing there for a reason.

The New York Times

If there is a car, somewhere it is on a list.

The New Yorker

"Unless we can generate new income somewhere, it's going to be layoffs next".

The New York Times - Sports

If you want to go somewhere, it's two and a half hours to New York".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "somewhere it was", ensure the context clearly implies that the specific location is either unknown, unimportant, or previously mentioned. This avoids vagueness and maintains clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhere it was" in formal or academic writing where precision is crucial. Opt for more specific locational descriptions or rephrase to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of "The data was stored somewhere it was secure", specify "The data was stored in a secure server located offsite".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhere it was" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause by indicating a location. It specifies that an action, state, or event occurred at an unspecified or previously known place. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhere it was" is a grammatically sound expression used to denote an unspecified location, often in narrative contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for journalistic and informal writing, though less so for formal academic or scientific purposes. The phrase functions adverbially, providing contextual information about the location of an event or state. While "somewhere it was" may not be as precise as more specific locational descriptions, its usage allows for a more relaxed tone and emphasis on the event itself, rather than its exact whereabouts. Overusing it in formal writing should be avoided to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in some location it existed

Replaces 'somewhere' with a more formal term 'in some location' and uses 'existed' to convey the state of being.

in a particular area it had been

Uses 'in a particular area' to denote a region where something previously existed.

at a certain place it happened

Substitutes 'somewhere' with 'at a certain place' focusing on the occurrence of an event.

at an indefinite locale it stood

Replaces 'somewhere' with 'at an indefinite locale' for a more descriptive tone.

in one spot it occurred

Emphasizes a specific, though undefined, spot where something took place.

in a region it could be found

Highlights the possibility of finding something in a specific region.

at some point it came to be

Shifts the focus to the emergence or becoming of something at an unspecified time and place.

at a mysterious location it arose

Implies secrecy or unknown origin in a location.

in an unknown place it dwelled

Evokes a sense of dwelling or existing in a place that is not known.

at an unspecified site it emerged

Focuses on the emergence of something at a site that is not clearly defined.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhere it was" in a sentence?

Use "somewhere it was" to refer to a place that is either unspecified, unknown, or has been previously mentioned but whose exact location is not the current focus. For example, "She remembered leaving her keys somewhere it was safe, but couldn't recall the exact spot."

What can I say instead of "somewhere it was"?

You can use alternatives like "in some location", "at a certain place", or "in an unspecified area" depending on the context.

Is "somewhere it was" grammatically correct?

Yes, "somewhere it was" is grammatically correct, although it is more common in informal contexts. It implies a location that is either indefinite or assumed to be known by the listener/reader.

In what contexts is "somewhere it was" most appropriate?

"Somewhere it was" is most appropriate in narrative or descriptive contexts where the precise location is not critical to the story or explanation. It is commonly used in informal conversation and writing.