there were means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there were means" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the existence of resources or methods available for a particular purpose or situation. Example: "In the past, there were means to communicate over long distances that did not rely on modern technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This phenomenon could potentially be used to encourage individuals to behave more safely when driving if there were means of providing feedback to the drivers about their behaviour on the road.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

In contrast, there were means of only 15 and 26 patients per institution in the interventional arms of the GLUCONTROL trial [ 3] and the VISEP trial [ 4].

Critical Care

While the outcome of interest was all-cause mortality, statistical analysis was also used to deduce if there were means and medians of variables that were more significantly associated with either CDI or non-CDI related mortality versus those who survived (comparator group).

BMC Infectious Diseases

If there were means outside this range the procedure is repeated with comparisons with the second highest and so on until the lowest (highest) value is included in a nonsignificant range or it is declared significantly different from the nearest mean.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In areas not affected by erosion there is mean scarp height of 9.4 m.

Tectonophysics

I believe everything with me not going there was meant to be.

Los Angeles Times

Indeed, there were meant to be no subsequent wars.

The Economist

There were meant to be songs, too, but a guitar string broke.

The Guardian

As there were mean fluctuations across collection sites, we calculated Z-scores within each site/country.

American Journal of Medical Genetics, Part B, Neuropsychiatric Genetics

"There are means of getting close to the real answer".

The Guardian

"From our standpoint, there are means of egress for the residents".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there were means", ensure that the context clearly indicates what resources or methods were available. Provide specific examples or details to enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "there were means" without specifying what those means were. Lack of specificity can leave the reader confused about the resources or methods being referenced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there were means" functions as an existential statement, indicating the presence or availability of resources, methods, or opportunities. As Ludwig AI explains, it is suitable for indicating the existence of resources or methods available for a particular purpose or situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there were means" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English. However, based on Ludwig's analysis, it's important to note that its usage is relatively rare. The phrase serves to indicate the existence of resources or methods, often in a past context. When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides clarity about what those "means" specifically refer to, avoiding vagueness. Better alternatives such as "methods existed", "resources were available", or "options were present" could provide a more direct and clear message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

methods existed

Focuses on the existence of methods rather than the availability of resources.

resources were available

Emphasizes available resources instead of general means.

options were present

Highlights the availability of choices or alternatives.

possibilities existed

Suggests that opportunities or chances were present.

approaches were used

Emphasizes the implementation of specific methods.

mechanisms were in place

Implies a structured system or process was available.

tools were accessible

Highlights the accessibility of specific instruments or aids.

avenues were open

Suggests that pathways or opportunities were available.

solutions existed

Focuses on the availability of answers to problems.

ways were found

Highlights the act of discovering methods or solutions.

FAQs

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

Use "there were means" to indicate that resources, methods, or opportunities existed in the past for a specific purpose. For example, "In the past, "there were means" of communication that didn't rely on modern technology".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "there were means"?

Similar phrases include "methods existed", "resources were available", or "options were present". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "there were means" formal or informal?

"There were means" is generally considered neutral in formality and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more direct alternatives may be preferable in some situations.

What is the difference between "there were means" and "there were ways"?

"There were means" often implies resources or methods, whereas "there were ways" suggests specific courses of action or solutions. While similar, "there were ways" focuses more on solutions than resources.