there sometimes is

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "there sometimes is" can be used in written English, but it is not commonly used and may sound awkward.
It is grammatically correct, but there are usually better and clearer ways to express the same idea. Example: "There sometimes is a lack of communication between members of the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"They think his presence, his attitude out there sometimes is like a phony attitude," Greinke said.

The New York Times

At least this morning there was no elephant chewing bamboo in the fast lane, as there sometimes is.

The New York Times

A lot of people feel that they are entitled to be on their cellphones, and there sometimes is a lack of common courtesy.

The New York Times

"The fact that they're there sometimes is good," said Elissa Vassallo, 83, who was looking for a table at the mall's food court with her husband, Salvatore, 83.

The New York Times

There is none of the sense of simply too much architecture for the problem at hand, as there sometimes is in Mr. Graves's work; instead, there is a splendid rigor and clarity.

The New York Times - Arts

You're not panicking about whether you can fill the theatre and there's not a hysterical pressure there sometimes is when you do a show in the West End and there's a lot of cash and reputation hanging on it".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Sometimes it's there; sometimes it isn't.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes liquidity is there, sometimes it's not.

Forbes

Sometimes Aunt Nancy was there; sometimes it was Aunt Susan.

The New Yorker

I can't answer that very well, because sometimes there is, sometimes there isn't".

The New Yorker

Sometimes there's dessert, sometimes there isn't.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "occasionally" or "frequently" to add nuance to your writing. While "there sometimes is" is grammatically correct, varying your word choice can enhance clarity and style.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "there is/are" constructions. In many cases, you can rewrite the sentence to be more direct and active. For example, instead of "There sometimes is a problem", try "A problem sometimes occurs".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there sometimes is" functions as an existential clause, indicating the occasional presence or existence of something. As Ludwig AI explains, although grammatically correct, it is not always the most elegant or direct way to express an idea.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "there sometimes is" is a grammatically correct way to indicate that something occasionally exists or occurs. However, as Ludwig AI notes, it may not always be the most concise or impactful choice. Consider using alternative phrasings like "sometimes there is" or adverbs such as "occasionally" or "frequently" to add nuance and improve clarity. Be mindful of overusing passive constructions and aim for more direct and active language when possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there is sometimes

A shorter, more direct version of the original phrase with a slightly different emphasis.

there occasionally is

Changes the adverb of frequency to suggest something happens less often.

sometimes there can be

Adding "can be" emphasizes possibility rather than certainty.

there frequently is

Uses a different adverb of frequency to indicate a higher occurrence rate.

sometimes there exists

Replaces the verb "is" with "exists", offering a slightly more formal tone.

it is sometimes the case that

Introduces a more verbose and formal way of expressing the idea.

on occasion, there is

Inverts the sentence structure and uses a prepositional phrase for emphasis.

there are instances when

Shifts the focus to specific instances or situations where something occurs.

it happens sometimes that

Emphasizes the occurrence of an event, using a slightly less common structure.

occasionally, we find that there is

Adds a subjective element and specifies the act of finding something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "there sometimes is" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "it is sometimes the case that", "occasionally, there is", or "there are instances when". These options provide a similar meaning but with increased sophistication.

What are some simple alternatives to "there sometimes is"?

You can use shorter alternatives like "sometimes there is", or adverbs such as "occasionally" or "frequently" followed by the main verb.

Is "there sometimes is" grammatically correct?

Yes, "there sometimes is" is grammatically correct. However, as Ludwig AI points out, there might be clearer and more impactful ways to express the same idea.

How does "there sometimes is" differ from "sometimes there is"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning, "sometimes there is" places more emphasis on the frequency (sometimes), while "there sometimes is" emphasizes the existence of something.