there is something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is something" is a perfectly correct phrase in written English.
You can use it as a way to introduce something that you want to discuss, or as a way to introduce something that you are introducing. Example sentence: "There is something we need to discuss before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There is something wrong.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead there is something.

The New York Times - Books

There is something there.

Yale University

There is something here.

Harvard University

There is something in this.

The Economist

But there is something there.

Independent

There is something not right".

The New York Times

There is something I want.

The New Yorker

There is something in between.

The New York Times

There is something called acidosis.

Independent

There is something in that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there is something" to introduce a topic or idea that you want to explore further. It's a useful way to signal the presence of a specific element that warrants attention.

Common error

Avoid using "there is something" as a filler phrase without providing concrete details. Ensure you follow up with specific information to give your statement substance.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "there is something" is to assert the existence of an unspecified object, idea, or quality. This introductory phrase sets the stage for further elaboration, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

20%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there is something" serves as an effective way to introduce an unspecified element or idea, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical correctness and versatile usage across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and everyday conversation, make it a valuable tool for writers. While widely applicable, it's important to avoid vagueness by ensuring that this introductory phrase is followed by concrete details or explanations. The frequency of its appearance in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Economist underscores its reliability and acceptance in formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something exists

This alternative directly states the existence of something, omitting the introductory "there is".

something's present

This option emphasizes the presence of something, using a contraction for brevity.

a thing exists

Replaces "something" with "a thing", maintaining a similar level of generality.

there appears to be something

Adds a degree of uncertainty or observation regarding the existence of something.

there seems to be something

Similar to the previous option, this indicates an impression or feeling about something's existence.

something is here

Focuses on the location or immediate presence of something.

something can be found

Highlights the possibility of discovering something.

there is a phenomenon

Replaces "something" with "a phenomenon", implying a more significant or noteworthy occurrence.

there is a particular thing

Adds specificity, suggesting a particular item is being referred to.

a detail exists

Highlights the existence of a detail, potentially overlooked.

FAQs

How can I use "there is something" in a sentence?

You can use "there is something" to introduce a topic, express a feeling, or point out a detail. For example, "There is something I need to tell you" or "There is something strange about this situation."

What are some alternatives to "there is something"?

You can use alternatives like "something exists", "something's present", or "a thing exists" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "there is something"?

While grammatically correct, using "there is something" can sometimes make your writing sound vague. Ensure you follow up with specifics to avoid ambiguity.

What's the difference between "there is something" and "there is nothing"?

"There is something" indicates the existence of something, while "there is nothing" indicates the absence of anything. They are opposite in meaning.