there were questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there were questions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that inquiries or uncertainties existed at a particular time or in a specific context. Example: "During the meeting, there were questions about the new policy changes that needed clarification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But on several occasions there were questions, and even harder, accusations.

Huffington Post

Afterwards there were questions.

The New Yorker

Then there were questions about new issues.

The New York Times

There were questions for the second-guessers.

The New York Times - Sports

There were questions about his pitching mortality.

The New York Times - Sports

They know Pep is coming and there were questions, yes.

The Guardian - Sport

There were questions of accountability then as there are today.

The New York Times

In the Barnes case, there were questions about forensic evidence.

The New York Times

I handed it in, and there were questions.

The New Yorker

There were questions whether some stocks were becoming expensive.

The New York Times

There were questions about the profound aspects of this malady.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there were questions", ensure the context clearly indicates what the questions were about. Providing specific details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "there were questions" without specifying who raised the questions or what they pertained to. Vague references can confuse readers. For example, instead of saying "There were questions after the presentation", specify "Attendees raised questions about the budget during the presentation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there were questions" functions as an existential clause indicating that questions existed or arose in a particular context. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a grammatically sound and widely used construction. The subject, "questions", follows the verb "were".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there were questions" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that introduces the existence of inquiries or uncertainties. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It functions as an existential clause, setting the stage for further discussion. While its register is typically neutral, the surrounding context can influence the overall formality. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what the questions pertained to. Consider alternatives like "queries arose" or "inquiries were made" for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

queries arose

Replaces the verb phrase, offering a more concise and slightly formal alternative.

inquiries were made

Focuses on the act of asking questions, suitable for formal contexts.

doubts existed

Shifts the focus to uncertainty rather than direct questioning.

issues were raised

Emphasizes the surfacing of concerns or problems that required attention.

points were questioned

Highlights specific aspects or statements that were subject to scrutiny.

concerns were voiced

Focuses on the expression of unease or worry regarding a matter.

matters were debated

Indicates a more formal discussion or argument surrounding specific issues.

objections were heard

Highlights the expression of opposition or disagreement.

uncertainties surfaced

Focuses on the emergence of unclear or doubtful aspects.

skepticism prevailed

Emphasizes a general atmosphere of doubt or disbelief.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, you could use alternatives such as "inquiries were made" or "queries arose", depending on the specific context.

What's a more concise way to say "there were questions"?

A more concise option is to use a phrase like "questions arose". This simplifies the sentence while retaining the original meaning.

How does "there were questions" differ from "concerns were raised"?

"There were questions" generally indicates a need for clarification or more information. "Concerns were raised", on the other hand, implies a worry or apprehension about something.

Is it grammatically correct to say "there was questions" instead of "there were questions"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. The phrase "there were questions" requires the plural form "were" to agree with the plural noun "questions". The singular form "was" should be used with singular nouns.