there were nights when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there were nights when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe specific experiences or memories that occurred during certain nights in the past. Example: "There were nights when I would sit by the window, lost in thought, watching the stars twinkle in the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"There were nights when I would come home and just order pizza because I didn't feel like cooking.

The Guardian

There were nights of singing and playing out of tune, of being out of sorts, and there were nights when at least one member was not entirely sober.

The New Yorker

"There were nights when I'd see Chris coming to bed wearing boxer shorts and with a flat chest, and I'd just cry.

The New York Times - Magazine

"There were nights when I slept with my eyes open, and I beat a path from the bed to the window," Mr. Gouin said.

The New York Times

"There were nights when I used to go downstairs and say, 'Hey, turn the game off and go to bed.' But he knows how to manage himself".

The New York Times - Arts

Of course there were nights when I thought, we are bringing more violence and it is causing more violence, but is it actually going to break the violence.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

There are nights when he gets on a roll.

The New York Times - Sports

There are nights when I jump out of bed screaming.

The New York Times

But there are nights when I have the mental energy and focus to experiment.

The New York Times - Food

"Obviously, there are nights when you face really good pitchers and no one feels comfortable.

The New York Times - Sports

There are nights when I see the faces of people I killed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there were nights when" to introduce a description of recurring experiences or notable events that happened on multiple occasions during the night. This provides context and sets the stage for sharing memories or stories.

Common error

Avoid using "there were nights when" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more concise and direct phrasing to maintain a professional tone. For example, use "On several nights" or "During specific evenings" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there were nights when" functions as an adverbial clause of time, introducing specific instances in the past. It sets the stage for describing recurring events or experiences during those times. Ludwig indicates this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "there were nights when" is a grammatically sound and commonly used clause that introduces memories or stories about past nighttime experiences. As Ludwig indicates, it's a correct and versatile phrase, frequently found in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts. To ensure clarity and precision, especially in formal writing, consider using alternatives like "on certain nights" or "during specific evenings". Remember that while the phrase is generally acceptable, avoid overuse to maintain a professional tone. The phrase functions as an adverbial clause of time, setting the stage for narratives that evoke specific memories or situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nights occurred where

Replaces "there were" with "nights occurred", altering the sentence structure while maintaining the core meaning.

on certain nights

Uses a more concise phrasing, focusing on specific nights instead of a general statement.

during a few nights

Highlights that the events happened over a limited number of nights.

some nights involved

Changes the verb and sentence structure to emphasize the events that took place.

certain evenings included

Substitutes "nights" with "evenings" and restructures the sentence to emphasize the events.

there were instances at night when

Adds "instances" to emphasize specific occurrences during those nights.

a number of nights featured

Changes the opening and verb to emphasize that the nights had certain characteristics.

on some occasions during the night

Replaces "nights when" with a more formal phrase, "occasions during the night".

it happened on particular nights that

Uses an impersonal construction to describe events that occurred on specific nights.

at times during the night

Offers a more general reference to events happening at night, removing the specific focus on multiple nights.

FAQs

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

You can use "there were nights when" to describe experiences or events that happened repeatedly on different nights. For instance, "There were nights when I couldn't sleep because of the noise."

What are some alternatives to "there were nights when"?

Some alternatives include "on certain nights", "during those nights", or "some nights", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "there were nights when"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "there were nights when" is a common and acceptable way to introduce a description of past events that occurred on multiple nights.

What's the difference between "there were nights when" and "there were days when"?

"There were nights when" refers specifically to experiences occurring during the night, while "there were days when" refers to experiences occurring during the day. The choice depends on the time of day you are describing.