there was written

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “there was written” is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that something has been written or inscribed somewhere. For example: “On the wall there was written ‘Do not enter’”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Graffiti above the brass Kids Company sign read 'RIP' with a cross underneath and 'The Best Place There Was' written to one side.

The Guardian

When Schrag's idea to pipe carbon there was written up in 2006 in Harvard Magazine, the executives from a small but scrappy engineering firm called SCS Energy of Concord, Mass.

Forbes

On another tribute, there was written in large green letters: "Why?

The Guardian

In the right-hand pocket, I found a little napkin on which there was written, in an unforgettable typeface, "Blimpie's".

The New York Times

On each Zettel, there was written a bit of dialogue or sexual wordplay ("Im=pussy=bell'–!") or a literary quote rerouted through his one-track mind ("the fleshy man=drake's stem. / That shrieks, when torn at night").

The New Yorker

There was written evidence that the settlers turned to cannibalism as a last resort, but not until last week did archaeologists step forward with physical corroboration: "Cut marks on the skull and skeleton of a 14-year-old girl show that her flesh and brain were removed, presumably to be eaten by the starving colonists during the harsh winter of 1609," as The New York Times reported.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

She asks about some of the costs there were written off.

The Guardian

There was, wrote the conservative tabloid Hora, "no end" to the "rot".

The Guardian

There was storytelling before there was writing.

Huffington Post

There were written tests, badges and medals for high achievement.

The New York Times

"We believe there were written procedures," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there was written", ensure that the subject of the writing is clear from the context. For example, specify what or where something was written to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid switching tenses mid-sentence. If you start with "there was written", maintain the past tense throughout the clause to prevent grammatical errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was written" serves as an existential construction combined with a passive verb phrase. It indicates the existence of something in written form, often highlighting the presence of specific text or information as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there was written" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for indicating the presence of written information. As affirmed by Ludwig, it effectively conveys that something has been recorded in text. While versatile, it's essential to maintain tense consistency and consider the context to avoid passive voice overuse. Exploring synonyms like "it was written" or "the document stated" can offer stylistic alternatives for more concise or formal expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

words were written

Emphasizes the presence of words rather than the general act of writing.

it was written

Omits "there was", focusing directly on the act of writing.

it is written

Shifts to the present tense, indicating a more permanent or timeless statement.

something was inscribed

Replaces "written" with "inscribed", suggesting a more formal or permanent form of writing.

the text stated

Uses "stated" instead of "written", implying a declaration or assertion.

the script contained

Replaces written with the word "contained" specifying that the text holds some specific information

the document mentioned

Employs "mentioned", indicating a less prominent reference.

a note indicated

Uses "indicated" to suggest a subtle or indirect communication.

it was documented

Focuses on the act of recording information rather than the specific writing.

the record showed

Highlights the information contained in a record.

FAQs

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

The phrase "there was written" is used to indicate that some text existed. For instance, "On the old parchment, "there was written" a prophecy of great importance".

What's a more concise alternative to "there was written"?

Alternatives include "it was written" or "it stated". These options are more succinct and often improve sentence flow. You could say "It was written in the stars" instead of ""there was written" in the stars".

Is "there was written" formal or informal language?

The phrase "there was written" is generally considered neutral in tone and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it was documented" might be preferred in academic writing.

Is it ever wrong to use "there was written"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "there was written" can make writing sound passive. Consider active voice constructions where appropriate to enhance readability. Using passive voice is not wrong, but consider alternatives like "something stated" or "it indicated".