there was an article

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there was an article" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the existence of a specific article, often in the context of discussing its content or relevance. Example: "In the library, I found that there was an article about climate change that caught my attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

General McChrystal told the vice president there was an article coming out that he would not like.

The New York Times

Suddenly, in Chemical & Engineering News there was an article on Vince Gilligan and his new show.

Science Magazine

In August there was an article on TechCrunch asking a very (seemingly) simple question: Can chatbots help build your next website?

TechCrunch

There was an article.

The Guardian

There was an article on that, too.

The New Yorker

There was an article in the Wall Street Journal about it.

The Guardian

One day there was an article in the paper that said Fort Greene's kind of cool.

The New York Times

There was an article from The Times-Picayune on a table in the dining room.

The New York Times

Just over two years ago there was an article in Nature entitled "Five Hard Truths for Synthetic Biology".

FEBS Letters

"I think she found out about it because there was an article in Libération, the French newspaper," Galloway said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

You know, it's funny there is an article coming out this week saying just that.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow this phrase with specific details about the article, such as its title, author, publication, or key findings, to provide more context for the reader.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying heavily on passive constructions like "there was an article" can make your writing sound less direct. Consider rephrasing to use active voice for a more engaging style. For example, instead of saying "There was an article about climate change", try "An article discussed climate change".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was an article" functions as an existential clause, asserting the existence of an article. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used correctly and frequently. This is often a preliminary statement, setting the stage for discussing the article's content or relevance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there was an article" is a grammatically sound and very common way to introduce the existence of a published article, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to set the stage for discussing the article's content, lending credibility and context to the subsequent information. While suitable for various registers, it is most frequently found in News & Media. When using this phrase, consider providing specific details about the article and avoid overuse to maintain a direct writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an article appeared

Focuses on the act of appearing rather than just existing.

an article was published

Emphasizes the act of publication.

an article came out

Highlights the release or unveiling of the article.

a piece was featured

Suggests the article was prominently displayed.

the paper included an article

Specifies where the article could be found.

i read an article

Shifts focus to the speaker's experience.

an article existed

Emphasizes simple existence, less common usage.

the story broke

Implies the article revealed news or a significant event.

an article was circulating

Highlights the spread of the article.

a report surfaced

Suggests the article presents findings or information.

FAQs

How can I use "there was an article" in a sentence?

You can use "there was an article" to introduce information you learned from a published source. For example, "There was an article in The New York Times about the benefits of meditation".

What can I say instead of "there was an article"?

You can use alternatives like "an article appeared", "an article was published", or "an article came out" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "there was an article about"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and a common way to introduce the topic of the article. For example, "There was an article about the latest advancements in artificial intelligence".

What's the difference between "there was an article" and "an article mentioned"?

"There was an article" simply indicates the existence of an article, while "an article mentioned" focuses on the content of the article and implies it contained specific information. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the existence or the content of the article.