there was a time when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there was a time when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about a past experience, especially one that has changed or is no longer the same. For example: "There was a time when children ran around the neighborhood until dark, but now most parents have stricter rules for when their children should be home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

THERE was a time when pets were pets.

The New York Times

THERE was a time when Nicolas Sarkozy relished crisis management.

The Economist

THERE was a time when only beggars went bareheaded.

The New York Times

THERE was a time when tomorrow seemed an enticing proposition.

The New York Times

There was a time when they counted.

The Guardian

There was a time when we couldn't".

The New Yorker

There was a time when immigrants were treated with compassion.

The New York Times

There was a time when you had eyes to see.

The New Yorker

There was a time when they were not.

The New York Times

Well, there was a time when I didn't like them.

The New York Times

But there was a time when those roles were reversed.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there was a time when" to introduce a contrast between a past state and the present, highlighting a change or shift in circumstances.

Common error

Avoid abruptly shifting tenses after using "there was a time when". Ensure the subsequent description of the past situation remains in the past tense for clarity and grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was a time when" functions as a temporal marker, introducing a clause that describes a past situation or state. It sets the stage for a contrast with the current situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there was a time when" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a past scenario that contrasts with the present. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various domains, especially news and media. The phrase functions as a temporal marker and serves to highlight changes over time. While suitable for a variety of contexts, it's essential to maintain tense consistency when describing the past situation. Alternatives like "it wasn't always like this" or "previously, it was the norm that" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It wasn't always like this

Focuses on the change from a past state to the current one, omitting the specific mention of a past 'time'.

There was a point when things were

Uses "point" instead of "time", suggesting the beginning of the change, and ending the phrase with "were" to be completed.

Back then, the situation was unlike today

Directly contrasts a past situation with the present, but is slightly more verbose.

There used to be a period when

Uses a more formal tone and explicitly states the existence of a 'period' rather than just a 'time'.

Earlier, things operated under different rules

Focuses on altered rules or procedures, suitable for contexts involving regulations or guidelines.

Years ago, things functioned differently

Emphasizes a difference in how things 'functioned', more suitable for process-oriented contexts.

Once upon a time, things were different

Emphasizes a more distant or story-like past, making it less suitable for factual contexts.

Previously, it was the norm that

Highlights a former standard or expectation, using more formal language.

In the past, it was common to

Highlights a past practice or custom, rather than a general state of affairs.

In former times, circumstances dictated

Refers to how past circumstances were controlled by something, with a slightly more archaic feel.

FAQs

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

Use "there was a time when" to introduce a past situation that contrasts with the present. For instance, "There was a time when people wrote letters, but now they mostly send emails".

What phrases are similar to "there was a time when"?

Similar phrases include "it wasn't always like this", "once upon a time, things were different", or "previously, it was the norm that", each with slight differences in connotation and formality.

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

While "there was a time that" might be used in some contexts, "there was a time when" is generally preferred for introducing a clause describing the past situation.

What's the difference between "there was a time when" and "there used to be"?

"There was a time when" introduces a specific past period, while "there used to be" indicates a past existence or habit. The former emphasizes contrast, while the latter emphasizes cessation.