there were cases when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there were cases when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce specific instances or examples where something occurred or was true in the past. Example: "There were cases when the project exceeded its budget due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Teacher: In the faculty and during the courses there were cases when we were told about the disappearance of a certain type of animal or about another that is the evolutionary continuity of another…it was obvious.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

There were cases when several core shifts were inferred on adjacent branches around the MRCA of a given clade.

Nature

There were cases when Americans killed our division officers, but they did not know who they were".

The New Yorker

There were cases when photographs of students throwing stones were used by the police to identify and arrest them.

The Guardian - Arts

There were cases when one or both parents had landed in the United States but were not immediately reunited with their children because the Catholic Welfare Bureau did not know they were in the country.

The Washington Post

In fact, the level of Republican opposition in the Senate has masked some disagreements among Democrats since there were cases when Democrats saw themselves as free to vote with their party on legislation they knew was destined to stall.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

There are cases when you need a movie star.

The New York Times

There are cases when you don't have that sign.

The New York Times - Sports

Then there are cases when the mayor will do the trick".

The New York Times

There are cases when telling the truth is the best means to advance corporate profits.

The New York Times

"There are cases when they have just given up their weapons and fled.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there were cases when", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific instances or situations you are referring to. Providing specific examples after using the phrase enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "there were cases when" without providing enough detail or context about the cases. Always specify the nature and relevance of these cases to support your argument effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there were cases when" functions as an introductory phrase to specify situations or instances where a particular event or condition occurred. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there were cases when" is a versatile phrase used to introduce specific instances or situations where a particular event occurred. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is commonly found in scientific, news, and business contexts and adds a layer of specificity and credibility to writing. For best use, always provide sufficient context and details about the cases you are referencing. Alternatives include "there were instances where" or "there were situations in which". The choice depends on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there were instances where

Replaces "cases" with "instances", emphasizing specific occurrences.

there were situations in which

Substitutes "cases" with "situations", highlighting the circumstances.

there were times when

Emphasizes specific periods when something occurred.

there have been occasions when

Uses "occasions" instead of "cases", focusing on specific times or events.

there were examples of

Highlights specific instances that demonstrate a broader point.

it happened that

A more concise way to introduce an event that occurred.

in certain circumstances

Highlights specific sets of conditions during which events happened.

on some occasions

Focuses on the frequency of the events, rather than specific cases.

at times

A brief and direct way to express that something happened occasionally.

sometimes

A simple adverb indicating that something occurred intermittently.

FAQs

How can I use "there were cases when" in a sentence?

Use "there were cases when" to introduce instances or situations where something specific happened. For example, "There were cases when the system failed due to power outages".

What phrases are similar to "there were cases when"?

Similar phrases include "there were instances where", "there were situations in which", or "there have been occasions when".

Is it better to use "there were cases when" or "sometimes"?

While "sometimes" is simpler, "there were cases when" is more appropriate when you want to emphasize specific instances and provide context or details about those occurrences, rather than just indicating general frequency. "Sometimes" may be better in very informal context. Consider the nuance you want to comunicate.

When is it inappropriate to use "there were cases when"?

Avoid using "there were cases when" if you cannot provide any specific examples or details to support the statement. In such situations, a more general phrase like "sometimes" or "occasionally" might be more suitable.