there was an outbreak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there was an outbreak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden occurrence of a disease or event, typically in a specific location or population. Example: "Last year, there was an outbreak of flu in the local schools, leading to many students missing classes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its representative in Tanzania Joyce Mendz-Cole told the BBC's Outside Source programme there was an outbreak of cholera in the Nyarugusu camp, where refugees have been fleeing.

BBC

Predictably, there was an outbreak of humanity on social media.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the last few years, there was an outbreak of the virus in Polynesia and Micronesia.

Columbia University

There was an outbreak of disease and many soldiers were dying.

The Guardian

In 1999 there was an outbreak of salmonella traced to domestic raw tomatoes.

The New York Times

In 2009, for example, there was an outbreak of a strain of influenza called H1N1.

The Economist

During the shelters' four months of operation, there was an outbreak of diarrhea, with 25 cases reported in one week.

The New York Times

There was an outbreak in rural Israel in 1998 and the New York strain is a close genetic match.

The New York Times

Although it was confined to Plum Island, there was an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease there in 1978.

The New York Times

Last week, there was an outbreak of political sanity and good feeling that felt almost unprecedented in recent history.

The New Yorker

But when we got to May 17, 2004, and people started marrying, there was an outbreak of joy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there was an outbreak", specify the location or population affected to provide context and clarity. For instance, "There was an outbreak of measles in the local school district."

Common error

Avoid using "there was an outbreak" without specifying what type of outbreak occurred. Instead of saying "There was an outbreak", be specific: "There was an outbreak of salmonella."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was an outbreak" functions as an existential clause, introducing the sudden appearance or occurrence of something, typically a disease or negative phenomenon. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there was an outbreak" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase, as verified by Ludwig AI, that serves to introduce the occurrence of something, often a disease or negative situation. It is commonly found in news reports, scientific articles, and formal documents, but its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for everyday conversation as well. When using the phrase, remember to specify the type and location of the outbreak for clarity. Alternatives such as "an outbreak occurred" or "a surge in cases was reported" can be used for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an outbreak occurred

Changes the sentence structure while maintaining the core meaning of an outbreak taking place.

an epidemic emerged

Replaces "outbreak" with "epidemic", emphasizing the widespread nature of the event.

a surge in cases was reported

Focuses on the increase in cases, rather than the event itself.

disease erupted

Uses a more forceful verb to describe the sudden onset of the disease.

illness spread rapidly

Highlights the speed at which the illness propagated.

a health crisis began

Broadens the scope to a general health crisis, not just a specific outbreak.

an infection wave started

Emphasizes the wave-like nature of the infection's spread.

the disease surfaced

Uses a metaphor to describe the initial appearance of the disease.

a cluster of infections arose

Focuses on the clustered nature of the infections, rather than the widespread outbreak.

contagion ignited

Employs a strong verb to convey the sudden and intense onset of contagion.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "there was an outbreak" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "an outbreak occurred" or "a surge in cases was reported". These options offer a more detached and professional feel.

What kind of events can be described using "there was an outbreak"?

While typically used for diseases, "there was an outbreak" can also describe sudden increases in other negative phenomena, such as "there was an outbreak of violence" or "there was an outbreak of robberies", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "there was an outbreak" in casual conversation?

Yes, "there was an outbreak" is perfectly acceptable in casual conversation. However, for a more relaxed tone, you might opt for phrases like "illness spread rapidly" or "disease erupted".

How does the meaning of "there was an outbreak" differ from "an epidemic emerged"?

While similar, "there was an outbreak" typically refers to a more localized and sudden occurrence, while "an epidemic emerged" suggests a more widespread and prolonged event. The choice depends on the scope and duration of the health crisis being described.