there was thunder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there was thunder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where thunder is present, often in the context of weather or a dramatic scene. Example: "As the storm approached, there was thunder rumbling in the distance, signaling the arrival of heavy rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

When he moved into the lead in the 10,000m for the first of his gold medals there was thunder in the air.

Independent

It was a downpour and there was thunder and lighting.

The New York Times

"Right there, on the downbeat, there was thunder, and a big bolt of lightning.

Independent

I was sort of half-asleep wondering what it was, and then there was thunder".

The New York Times - Magazine

One day when I was in the house there was thunder and lightning.

The New York Times

There was thunder in the air and an eerie Atlantic dusk lay across the Reeks.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

There is thunder.

The Guardian

The current selection was Kate Bush: "Ooh, there is thunder in our hearts".

The New Yorker

There were thunder sticks and screaming fans and vendors selling soft drinks.

The New York Times

As in, before there is thunder and lightning there first has to be a cloud.

The New York Times - Sports

3.15pm GMT Goal! Birmingham 1-0 SwaNovak(Novak) There is hail, there is thunder, there is lighting and there is a goal up in Birmingham.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there was thunder" to set a scene during a storm, to add a sense of drama, or to indicate a powerful event. It's more descriptive than simply stating "it thundered".

Common error

Avoid switching to the present tense mid-sentence when describing a past event. Instead of "There was thunder, and it is getting louder", maintain consistency: "There was thunder, and it was getting louder."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was thunder" functions primarily as an existential clause, asserting the presence of thunder. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable. The phrase establishes a setting or describes a state of being where thunder exists.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there was thunder" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to describe a scene or create a dramatic atmosphere, often associated with weather events. While alternatives like "thunder rumbled" or "a thunderstorm occurred" exist, "there was thunder" provides a descriptive and widely understood way to indicate the presence of thunder. When employing this phrase, writers should maintain tense consistency and consider the specific context to achieve the desired effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thunder rumbled

Focuses on the sound aspect of thunder rather than its mere existence.

thunder echoed

Highlights the reverberating quality of thunder.

lightning struck and thunder followed

Emphasizes the sequence of lightning and thunder.

a thunderstorm occurred

Replaces the descriptive phrase with a more direct statement about a weather event.

the storm brought thunder

Shifts the focus to the storm as the source of the thunder.

thunder could be heard

Highlights the audibility of the thunder.

the air thundered

Describes the atmosphere as filled with thunder.

a clap of thunder sounded

Focuses on a single instance of thunder.

the sky roared with thunder

Uses a more dramatic verb to describe the thunder.

thunder reverberated through the valley

Specifies the location where the thunder is echoing.

FAQs

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

You can use "there was thunder" to describe a past weather event or to create a dramatic atmosphere in writing. For example, "As the storm rolled in, there was thunder rumbling in the distance."

What are some alternatives to "there was thunder"?

Some alternatives include "thunder rumbled", "thunder echoed", or "a thunderstorm occurred", depending on the context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "there was thunder"?

Yes, "there was thunder" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate the presence of thunder.

What's the difference between "there was thunder" and "it thundered"?

"There was thunder" is more descriptive and sets a scene, while "it thundered" is a simple statement of fact. The first option is better when you want to emphasize the thunder as part of a larger event or atmosphere.