there was a time that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there was a time that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something happened in the past, although it may not have any relevance to the present. For example: "There was a time that I thought I would never get the job, but I eventually did."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

EA There was a time that could preserve us.

The Guardian

There was a time that people stayed in this garden.

The Guardian

There was a time that I could remember which word knocked me out every year.

University of California, Berkeley

There was a time that I drank to relax and have fun.

The Guardian - Opinion

For there was a time that Mr. Kolins had certain requirements for his life in theater.

The New York Times

Actually, there was a time that I convinced myself I never would set foot on a plane.

The New York Times

There was a time that the thought of a good salmon meal would leave me feeling faint with desire.

The New York Times

There was a time that I would have left my computer behind and brought a shovel instead.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Right now what you want to make sure is that there is a time that's available — right now all the times are available — but that there is a time that works for you.

Yale University

There's no time too early to start looking, but there is a time that's too late.

WikiHow

If there is a time that reads 12 00 or greater for the hour, know that it will convert to a PM-based time on the 12-hour clock.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there was a time that" to introduce a contrast between a past situation and the present. This helps highlight changes over time and can add depth to your narrative.

Common error

Don't use "there was a time that" when a simple past tense would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive. Use it specifically when you want to emphasize a change or contrast.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was a time that" functions as an introductory clause, setting the stage for a statement about a past condition or state. It often introduces a contrast with the present. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there was a time that" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a past situation, often to contrast it with the present. Ludwig AI confirms that it's readily usable in your writings. Its frequency is high across news and media, as well as academia, signaling its widespread acceptance. Remember to use it intentionally to highlight changes or contrasts, and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and conciseness. There are several alternatives available, such as "once upon a time" or "previously", depending on the context you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

There once was a period when

Emphasizes a specific duration in the past.

There existed a phase when

Highlights a specific period.

It happened in the past that

Highlights a past event or situation.

Back then, it was common that

Emphasizes a common occurrence in the past.

Earlier, it used to be the case that

Focuses on a previous state or condition that has changed.

In former times, the practice was that

Highlights a past custom or practice.

In bygone days, it was so that

Indicates a situation in a more distant past.

Once upon a time, it happened that

Evokes a sense of storytelling or a distant past.

Previously, the situation was such that

Formally describes a prior condition or scenario.

Before, it was the norm that

Indicates a previous standard or convention.

FAQs

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

Use "there was a time that" to describe a situation or feeling that existed in the past but is no longer the case. For example, "There was a time that I doubted myself, but now I'm confident".

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

You can use alternatives like "once upon a time", "previously", or "in the past" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "there was a time when" instead of "there was a time that"?

Yes, "there was a time when" is also correct and often interchangeable with "there was a time that". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey, though grammatically speaking, both are acceptable.

What is the difference between "there was a time that" and "once"?

"Once" implies something happened a single time in the past, while "there was a time that" refers to a period or duration in the past.