there were certain times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there were certain times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific moments or occasions in the past when something occurred or was true. Example: "There were certain times during the year when the weather was particularly unpredictable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"There were certain times for things to get done, and we knew it.

The New York Times

But there were certain times, especially in our first season, when we didn't have any gay writers, when it was harder.

The New York Times

There were certain times that the monks would go on stage and get booed.

Huffington Post

At the premiere in Sundance on Saturday, his aunt stood up and said, 'You know, Mike, there were certain times in the movie where I couldn't tell Oscar from you,' and that's the biggest compliment I ever could have gotten".

Huffington Post

At the premiere in Sundance on Saturday, his aunt stood up and said, "You know, Mike, there were certain times in the movie where I couldn't tell Oscar from you," and that's the biggest compliment I ever could have gotten.

Huffington Post

"You want to be able to do everything, but there were certain times during filming, when you're in the 16th hour of the third day of shooting [a big action sequence], when I just couldn't do something.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The bottom line is there are certain times, as well as sectors that only governments can fund and so create jobs.

Huffington Post

But there are certain times you should use that, and there are certain times you shouldn't.

The New York Times

"I think there are certain times and places for this.

The New York Times - Sports

But there are certain times and certain spots where you have to back off this technique.

The New York Times - Sports

"There are certain times of the year when you don't play as well," O'Neill said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there were certain times", ensure the context clearly indicates what made those times 'certain' or significant. Provide specific details or follow-up information to clarify the unique aspects of those occasions.

Common error

Avoid using "there were certain times" without providing adequate context. This phrase can sound vague if you don't specify what made those times unique or important. Always provide sufficient details to make your meaning clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there were certain times" functions as an introductory phrase that sets the stage for describing specific instances or periods in the past. It's used to highlight that something occurred not continuously, but on select occasions. Ludwig confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there were certain times" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed introductory phrase used to designate specific past instances, according to Ludwig. While not exceedingly common, it’s versatile enough to appear in diverse contexts, including news, general media and science, and even encyclopedias. To maintain clarity and prevent vagueness, it's essential to provide contextual information that elaborates on the significance or unique characteristics of those specific occasions. By carefully considering the related phrases, and avoiding the pitfall of vague language, writers can effectively use "there were certain times" to enhance the precision and impact of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there were specific instances

Replaces "certain times" with "specific instances", emphasizing particular occurrences.

there were particular moments

Substitutes "certain times" with "particular moments", focusing on brief, distinct points in time.

there were occasions when

Rephrases the sentence structure to highlight specific occasions.

at times there were

Inverts the sentence order to create a slightly different emphasis.

on some occasions there were

Adds "on some occasions" to specify that the events did not happen frequently.

there existed periods when

Uses more formal language to describe specific periods.

some moments included

Changes the sentence structure, focusing on what the moments included.

instances occurred where

Uses a more formal and detached tone.

certain periods featured

Focuses on what the certain periods were characterized by.

there were selective periods

Adds the word selective implying that the periods were handpicked.

FAQs

How can I use "there were certain times" in a sentence?

Use "there were certain times" to refer to specific occasions or periods when something occurred or was true. For example, "There were certain times when I felt completely lost."

What can I say instead of "there were certain times"?

You can use alternatives like "there were specific instances", "there were particular moments", or "there were occasions when depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "there were certain times" or "there were specific times"?

Both "there were certain times" and "there were specific times" are grammatically correct, but "specific" often implies a clearer, more defined set of instances compared to "certain", which can be slightly more ambiguous.

What's the difference between "there were certain times" and "at times"?

"There were certain times" refers to specific, identifiable occasions, whereas "at times" indicates a more general, less defined frequency. "There were certain times" implies particular instances, while "at times" suggests something happened occasionally.