there was a group that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there was a group that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a specific group of people or entities in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "There was a group that gathered every Saturday to discuss local issues and plan community events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Then there was a group that filed for a union bid.

The New York Times

There was a group that believed Labor would smash its fiscal credibility if it opposed the new government's spending reduction measures.

The Guardian

"I thought that if ever there was a group that would have some parity of income, it would be this one," she says, almost mournfully.

The Guardian - Money

There was a group that had traveled on a bus from Gainesville and a woman who had ridden a motorcycle about 100 miles from Orlando.

The New York Times

"There was a group that was under our responsibility that went from a local hotel to the White House," Ian Kelly, a State Department spokesman, told reporters.

The New York Times

In all, 19 observational studies (14 cohort and 5 case-control) in which there was a group that consumed fish on a regular basis and a comparison group that consumed little or no fish were included.

The American Journal of Cardiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

There is a group that was going to come and talk to us about fossil fuel.

University of California, Berkeley

There's a group that plays bridge on the seven-fifty-eight to Grand Central.

The New Yorker

"My husband said, 'How is it possible that there is a group that allows a woman to feel so independent?

The New Yorker

Back in Texas, there is a group that can identify with the scrutiny that McElroy endures.

The New York Times - Sports

"There is a group that has applied for federal approval to acquire an existing bank.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "there was a group that", ensure the sentence clearly identifies the group's purpose or action to provide context and meaning. It's often stronger to follow this phrase with a verb that demonstrates the group's activity or characteristic.

Common error

Avoid using "there was a group that" without specifying characteristics or action of the group, this can lead to ambiguity and weaken the sentence. Instead provide more detail about what the group did or what defined it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was a group that" functions as an introductory clause that sets the stage for describing a group's actions or characteristics. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a correct and usable phrase for introducing a specific group in a narrative or descriptive context. This phrase often precedes a verb phrase that details what the group did or was known for.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there was a group that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to introduce a group and provide context about its actions or characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various written English contexts. While it is most frequently found in news and media sources, it is also present in academic and scientific writing, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, be sure to clearly identify the group's purpose or action to avoid ambiguity and ensure a strong, informative sentence. Alternatives such as "a collective existed that" or "certain individuals participated who" can be used to vary your writing style, although they might have different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a collective existed that

Replaces "there was a group" with "a collective existed", emphasizing the unified nature of the group. Slightly more formal.

an organization existed which

Substitutes "group" with "organization", implying a more structured entity. More formal and specific.

a team was present that

Replaces "group" with "team", suggesting a collaborative effort. Slightly more informal.

certain individuals participated who

More specific and formal, emphasizing the individual involvement rather than a collective.

a body was assembled that

Implies a more formal or official gathering. More formal and less common.

elements within engaged that

Uses "elements within" for a less defined group, suggesting components of a larger system. Highly formal.

a contingent arose that

Uses contingent indicating that that group is temporary and arose to deal with certain circumstances.

a faction emerged that

Uses faction that indicates a sub group with similar, normally dissenting, political views.

a circle formed that

Replace "group" with "circle" indicating a small friendly gathering.

some folks were on board who

Informal alternative using folks instead of group.

FAQs

How can I use "there was a group that" in a sentence?

Use "there was a group that" to introduce a group and describe its actions or characteristics. For example, "There was a group that organized the community cleanup" or "There was a group that opposed the new legislation".

What are some alternatives to "there was a group that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a team existed which", "certain individuals participated who", or "a collective existed that" depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it always necessary to specify the characteristics of the group introduced by "there was a group that"?

While not always mandatory, specifying the group's characteristics or actions provides clarity and avoids ambiguity. A vague introduction can weaken the sentence and leave the reader wondering about the group's significance.

What is the difference between "there was a group that" and "there existed a group that"?

The phrase "there was a group that" is more common and natural-sounding in most contexts. "There existed a group that" is grammatically correct but more formal and less frequently used.