there was chatter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there was chatter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where people are talking or communicating in a lively or informal manner, often in a social context. Example: "As the guests arrived at the party, there was chatter filling the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

For a while there was chatter among its fans that bull semen was behind the drink's name and its oomph.

Forbes

At one point there was chatter that Postmates was shopping itself, but the company won't comment on acquisition possibilities.

TechCrunch

There was chatter from one side of the room.

The New York Times

There was chatter that the defendants might testify in their own defense.

The New York Times

There was chatter that the the moment has been captured on video, fueling the fascination.

The New York Times

The former Autonomy executive said: "There was chatter they were trying to get out of the deal.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Every decade or so there is chatter about replacing the U-2.

The New York Times

Well, it appears there is chatter of a buyout deal in the offing.

TechCrunch

In supply chain analyst circles there is chatter that Apple no longer uses Corning's Gorilla Glass for its iPhone screens, and hasn't for some time now.

TechCrunch

There was chattering, laughter.

The New Yorker

There was chattering in particular about a party at the Cannes Film Festival where she was seen as being overly flirtatious with Steven Spielberg.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms like "there was talk" or "rumors circulated" to avoid repetition and maintain reader interest. However, be mindful of the nuances each phrase conveys.

Common error

Avoid using "there was chatter" in formal or academic writing where a more precise and authoritative tone is required. Instead, opt for phrases like "it was reported that" or "discussions centered on".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was chatter" functions as an existential clause introducing the topic of informal conversation or rumor. It serves to present the existence of discussions without necessarily specifying their content or source. Ludwig AI confirms the usage of the expression across different sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there was chatter" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate the presence of informal discussions or rumors. According to Ludwig AI, it is frequently used in news and media contexts but may be less suitable for formal writing. To maintain stylistic variety, alternatives like "there was talk" or "rumors circulated" can be used. When writing, be mindful of the context to ensure that the phrase's informal tone aligns with the intended message. Overusing it in a formal context may not be appropriate. Based on the provided data, "there was chatter" is a versatile phrase for conveying informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

talk spread

Emphasizes the widespread nature of the discussion.

buzz developed

Conveys excitement or interest surrounding a topic.

rumors circulated

Focuses on the spread of unverified information.

murmurs arose

Implies quiet or subdued discussions.

whispers went around

Suggests secretive or private conversations.

speculation arose

Highlights the emergence of conjecture and guesswork.

discussion unfolded

Highlights the development and progression of a conversation.

the word was out

Indicates that information became generally known.

gossip flowed

Implies informal and potentially unreliable communication.

the rumor mill was active

Focuses on rumors and speculations being spread.

FAQs

What does "there was chatter" mean?

The phrase "there was chatter" indicates that there were informal discussions, rumors, or speculations surrounding a particular topic or event. It suggests a level of informal communication that may not be fully verified.

What can I say instead of "there was chatter"?

You can use alternatives like "there was talk", "rumors circulated", or "speculation arose" depending on the context.

Is "there was chatter" formal or informal?

The phrase "there was chatter" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, it's better to use phrases like "it was reported" or "discussions centered on".

How can I use "there was chatter" in a sentence?

You can use "there was chatter" to introduce discussions or rumors about something. For example, "After the announcement, there was chatter about potential layoffs".