there was some

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there was some" is correct and used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an amount of something exists, for example: "There was some noise in the background as she spoke but she continued her story anyway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There was some applause.

The New Yorker

There was some discussion.

The New Yorker

"There was some concern".

The New Yorker

But there was some polishing.

Independent

There was some success afterward.

The New York Times

There was some good news.

The New York Times

Then there was some buzz.

The New York Times - Sports

There was some help around.

The Economist

There was some gentle boasting.

The New York Times

There was some real concern.

The New York Times - Sports

But there was some hope.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there was some" to introduce a limited or unspecified quantity of something. For example, "There was some confusion about the meeting time".

Common error

Don't use "there was some" with countable nouns when you need to specify a quantity. Instead of "There was some apple", use "There was some apple juice" or "There were a few apples".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was some" serves as an existential quantifier, indicating the presence of an unspecified, limited amount or degree of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and frequently used. It introduces nouns in a sentence, suggesting that a certain quantity or level of the noun existed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "there was some" is a versatile expression used to indicate the existence of an unspecified amount or degree of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across various forms of written English. Predominantly found in news and media sources, its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse contexts. While "there was some" is a common and accepted phrase, it's important to avoid overuse with countable nouns, opting for more specific quantifiers when necessary. With alternatives like "a little bit" or "a degree of", writers can maintain clarity and precision in their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some amount was present

Highlights the presence of something in a more direct manner.

there happened to be a bit

Indicates the presence of something with an element of chance or unexpectedness.

there existed a certain amount

Replaces "was some" with a more formal and emphatic expression of existence.

a little bit existed

Indicates the existence of a small amount or degree.

it had traces of

Implies a small or subtle presence of something.

certain elements were present

Replaces "some" with "certain elements" for a more specific indication.

a degree of it existed

Emphasizes the extent to which something existed using "a degree of".

it featured a certain level

Highlights a feature or level of something, suggesting a specific characteristic.

there proved to be an extent

Indicates that the extent of something was revealed or demonstrated.

a semblance of existed

Suggests that only an appearance of something existed, not necessarily the real thing.

FAQs

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

Use "there was some" to indicate the existence of an unspecified amount or degree of something. For example, "There was some interest in the proposal", or "There was some difficulty in completing the task".

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

You can use alternatives like "a little bit", "a degree of", or "some amount of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "there were some"?

Yes, "there were some" is correct when referring to plural countable nouns. For example, "There were some apples in the basket".

What is the difference between "there was some" and "there was a"?

"There was some" is used with uncountable nouns, while "there was a" is used with singular countable nouns. For example, "There was some water" versus "There was a bottle of water".