there were once

USAGE SUMMARY

"there were once" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used as an introduction to a story or an anecdote. For example, "There were once two friends who decided to go on a journey together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Biologists believe there were once 100,000 pandas in Asia.

The Guardian

But there were once many such theaters, strewn across town.

The New York Times

There were once 300,000 manufacturing jobs in the city.

Independent

There were once etiquette books on how to carry on a courtship at the piano.

The New York Times

There were once four billy goats who crossed Westminster Bridge to exchange their coats for ermine.

The Times

In the South, there were once private "segregation academies" for white students to avoid integrated schools.

The Washington Post

There were once so many fabulous teachers that passed their knowledge and expertise on to us.

The New York Times

Speaking at the Cheltenham literature festival, Robinson said there were once plans for a longer outing.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

There was, once again, serious violence.

The New York Times - Sports

"There Was Once... ...... serves that function precisely.

The New York Times

"There was once a poor farmer.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there were once" to introduce a narrative about a past state that contrasts with the present, creating a sense of change or loss.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "there were once" in formal documents, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and less sophisticated. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there were once" functions as an existential clause, specifically indicating the existence of something in the past that is no longer present. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English and commonly introduces stories or anecdotes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "there were once" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that indicates a past state or existence, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to introduce a narrative, often highlighting a contrast between the past and the present. While versatile enough for both formal and informal writing, it should be used judiciously in very formal contexts to avoid sounding repetitive. Common contexts include storytelling, historical descriptions, and comparisons between past and present situations. Alternatives like "formerly there were" or "there used to be" can provide suitable substitutes depending on the specific tone and formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there used to be

Simplifies the phrase while maintaining the meaning of something that existed in the past but does not now.

at one time there were

Emphasizes a specific period in the past using "at one time" instead of "once".

in the past there were

Replaces "once" with the more general "in the past", slightly broadening the timeframe.

back then, there were

Uses a more informal temporal marker, "back then", to convey the past existence.

formerly there were

Replaces the idiomatic "there were once" with a more formal phrasing using "formerly".

earlier, there were

A more concise way of indicating past existence, using "earlier" as the temporal marker.

previously there existed

Substitutes "were once" with "previously there existed", making the sentence structure more explicit and slightly more formal.

it used to be that there were

Adds a sense of habitual past existence using "it used to be that" to introduce the statement.

once upon a time there were

Evokes a fairytale-like beginning, ideal for fictional contexts.

in bygone days, there were

Employs a more poetic and archaic phrasing to indicate a state that existed in the distant past.

FAQs

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

"There were once" is typically used to introduce a situation or condition that existed in the past but no longer exists. For example, "There were once vast forests where now there are only fields."

What phrases are similar to "there were once"?

Similar phrases include "there used to be", "at one time there were", or "in the past there were". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "there were once" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "there were once" can sound somewhat informal or narrative. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "previously there existed" or "formerly there were" to maintain a more serious tone.

What's the difference between "there were once" and "there used to be"?

Both phrases indicate a past condition, but "there were once" often carries a slightly more evocative or nostalgic tone, suggesting a greater degree of change or loss compared to "there used to be".