there were already

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'there were already' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that already existed or to describe something that has already happened. Example: There were already several people waiting in line when I arrived.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

At Union Square there were already signs and speakers — "U.S.

The New York Times

The court was told there were already 18 separate confidentiality agreements in force for the case.

The Guardian

The other soldiers there were already asleep and snoring loudly.

Vice

There were already distractions.

The Guardian - Books

Yesterday there were already Tony casualties.

The New York Times

And there were already signs of wear.

The New York Times - Travel

"But I was turned away, there were already 400 people".

The Guardian

"Within weeks of its founding, there were already 36 organizations.

The New York Times

There were already more than a thousand people.

The New Yorker

Why didn't I realise there were already too many coincidences?

The Guardian - Books

"There were already many dead bodies floating in the sea.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there were already" to effectively convey that a situation or element was present before a specific event or time, adding context to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "there were already" when a simpler past tense construction would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider if "already" alone provides sufficient context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there were already" functions as an existential clause indicating the presence of something before a specific time or event. It introduces information about a pre-existing state. Ludwig confirms its proper usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there were already" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate the pre-existence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its versatile application across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, use "there were already" to provide context and establish a pre-existing state of affairs. However, be mindful of overusing it in simple narratives. By considering these points, you can effectively use "there were already" to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something had already happened

Highlights the completion of an event or action before another.

something was already in place

Focuses on the establishment or readiness of something before a certain point.

something already existed

Emphasizes the existence of something prior to a specific time.

elements were already present

Highlights that certain components or factors were available beforehand.

things were already in motion

Indicates that a process or series of events had commenced earlier.

the foundation was already set

Indicates that a fundamental structure was established earlier.

the situation was already developing

Suggests that a state of affairs was evolving or progressing at an earlier time.

pre-existing conditions were apparent

Emphasizes that certain circumstances or states were evident before.

the groundwork had been laid

Focuses on the preparatory steps that were completed previously.

earlier instances were recorded

Highlights previous occurrences or examples of something.

FAQs

How can I use "there were already" in a sentence?

Use "there were already" to indicate that something existed or occurred before a specific time. For example, "There were already several cars in the parking lot when we arrived".

What can I say instead of "there were already"?

You can use alternatives like "something already existed", "something was already in place", or "something had already happened" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "there was already" instead of "there were already"?

The correct form depends on whether you're referring to a singular or plural noun. Use "there was already" for singular nouns and "there were already" for plural nouns.

What's the difference between "there were already" and "there are already"?

"There were already" refers to a past situation, while "there are already" refers to a present situation. Use "there were already" to describe something that existed in the past and "there are already" for something that exists now.