there were meetings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there were meetings" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that multiple meetings took place in the past. Example: "During the project, there were meetings every week to discuss progress and address any issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

There were meetings held, consultants hired, plans developed, committees formed.

The New York Times

There were meetings and consultations, wild words and tears.

The New Yorker

There were meetings to try this in a group.

The Guardian - Opinion

There were meetings, but no meeting of minds.

The Economist

Trust me, there were meetings about how we were playing.

The New York Times

After the first accident, he says, "there were meetings, they tried to downplay it".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Angela Ahrendts: I mean, honestly there are meetings in here every single week.

TechCrunch

Any more than there were meeting rooms in music halls.

The Guardian

After the war, there were meeting and various war benefits given there.

The New Yorker

"There are meetings, talks, conferences, chances to meet like-minded people," says Arbash.

The Guardian

MEXICO CITY — There are meetings that should not take place.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more descriptive verbs than "were" to add nuance. For example, "meetings convened", "meetings escalated", or "meetings stalled" can give readers a more precise understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on passive constructions like "there were meetings." Instead, actively state who organized or attended the meetings to create a more engaging and direct narrative. For example, instead of "there were meetings held by the committee", try "the committee held meetings".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "there were meetings" is to assert the existence of multiple meetings in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase adheres to standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "there were meetings" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that multiple meetings occurred in the past. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's versatile enough for use in neutral contexts like news reports, as evidenced by the numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. While alternatives like "meetings took place" can offer a more direct or formal tone, "there were meetings" remains a reliable and frequently used option. To enhance clarity, consider adding context about the purpose or outcome of the meetings and avoid overuse of passive voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meetings took place

Replaces the initial phrase with a more concise and direct statement.

sessions were held

Substitutes "meetings" with "sessions", implying a more formal or structured gathering.

discussions occurred

Replaces "meetings" with "discussions", focusing on the exchange of ideas.

gatherings transpired

Uses a more formal word choice for "meetings", suggesting a planned event.

conferences were conducted

Emphasizes the organized nature of the gatherings as formal conferences.

consultations happened

Highlights the consultative aspect of the gatherings, implying advice or guidance was sought.

briefings were presented

Suggests that the meetings primarily involved the delivery of information.

forums convened

Implies the meetings were open platforms for discussion and debate.

negotiations unfolded

Focuses on the aspect of bargaining or compromise during the meetings.

summits materialized

Elevates the importance of the meetings, suggesting high-level discussions.

FAQs

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

You can use "there were meetings" to indicate that multiple meetings occurred in the past. For example: "Throughout the project, there were meetings scheduled to address any arising issues".

What are some alternatives to "there were meetings"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "meetings took place", "sessions were held", or "discussions occurred", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "there was meetings"?

No, "there was meetings" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "there were meetings" because "meetings" is plural.

What is the difference between "there were meetings" and "meetings were held"?

Both phrases convey the same meaning, but "meetings were held" is slightly more formal and direct, while "there were meetings" is a more common and neutral expression.