there were conversations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there were conversations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that discussions or dialogues took place in a particular context or situation. Example: "During the meeting, there were conversations about the new project timeline and budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Cashman described how he became friendly with Epstein through Kevin Towers, the San Diego Padres general manager, but acknowledged there were conversations that he and Epstein never have.

The New York Times

He conceded, obliquely, that the unrest was at least partly rooted in social deprivation, saying there were "conversations to be had" about grievances in London's most deprived neighborhoods, but said that could come only after the unrest had ended.

The New York Times

Conservative MP Michael Sukkar has backed Tony Abbott's account of the Adler shotgun importation debate, saying there were conversations with senator David Leyonhjelm but no "strong evidence" of a deal for his vote.

The Guardian

"But there were conversations about how it could go.

The New Yorker

But there were conversations – partly in Hebrew, partly in English".

The Guardian

And there were conversations that went on over a number of years, sometimes successful, sometimes unsuccessfully.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Soon there are conversations; war stories are swapped.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There are conversations about ClassPass all the time," she said.

The New York Times

But certainly there are conversations that have taken place and continue to take place".

The New York Times - Sports

If there are conversations going on behind the scenes, clearly they are not working.

Independent

And obviously there are conversations between the president and President Musharraf.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there were conversations" to indicate that discussions took place without specifying the details or outcomes of those discussions. It's suitable when the fact of the discussion is more important than its content.

Common error

Avoid using "there were conversations" when a more active voice would make the sentence more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "There were conversations about the budget", consider "The team discussed the budget" if you want to emphasize the team's action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there were conversations" functions as an existential construction followed by a plural noun phrase. It introduces the existence of discussions or dialogues. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there were conversations" is a grammatically correct and widely used way to indicate that discussions took place. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While its register is generally neutral, it can be adapted to different contexts. When writing, consider whether a more active voice might be more effective, and choose related phrases based on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discussions took place

Replaces 'conversations' with 'discussions' and uses a more direct verb phrase, focusing on the act of discussing.

talks were held

Substitutes 'conversations' with 'talks', indicating a more formal or official exchange.

exchanges occurred

Uses 'exchanges' to emphasize the reciprocal nature of the communication.

dialogues ensued

Employs 'dialogues' and 'ensued' for a more literary or formal tone, highlighting the development of the communication.

communications transpired

A more formal and somewhat indirect way of saying conversations happened, using 'transpired' to suggest the unfolding of events.

discussions unfolded

Focuses on the gradual development of the discussions, suggesting a more organic or evolving process.

people discussed

A simpler, more direct way of stating that conversations occurred, highlighting the participants.

individuals conferred

Indicates a more formal and deliberate exchange of ideas or information among individuals.

parties communicated

Suggests communication between distinct groups or entities, emphasizing the separation between participants.

meetings happened

A straightforward way of saying that gatherings for conversation or discussion took place.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "there were conversations" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "discussions took place" or "talks were held". These options often suit official reports or academic writing.

What's a more casual alternative to "there were conversations"?

In informal contexts, you might say "people discussed" or simply "they talked about". These options are more direct and conversational.

Is it correct to say "there was a conversation" instead of "there were conversations"?

Yes, "there was a conversation" is correct when referring to a single, specific instance of dialogue. "There were conversations" implies multiple instances or a series of discussions.

How does "there were conversations" differ from "there were discussions"?

While similar, "there were discussions" often implies a more structured or formal exchange of ideas, whereas "there were conversations" can refer to more casual or informal talks.