there were signs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there were signs" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that evidence or indications of something existed in a particular situation or context. Example: "As we walked through the old town, there were signs of its rich history everywhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there were signs.

The New York Times - Sports

"Yeah, there were signs.

The Guardian - Sport

There were signs, maybe.

The Guardian

There were signs of panic.

The Economist

There were signs of hope.

The New York Times

"There were signs of life.

The Guardian

There were signs, of course.

The New York Times - Travel

There were signs of corruption earlier.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There were signs of ill health.

The New York Times

But there were signs of improvement.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, there were signs of progress.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there were signs" to subtly hint at an impending event or condition, creating anticipation for the reader.

Common error

Avoid jumping to conclusions based on limited signs. Ensure sufficient evidence supports any interpretations drawn from the signs observed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there were signs" functions as an existential clause, asserting the existence of indicators or evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "there were signs" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating the existence of evidence or indicators. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to inform and often foreshadow events. Alternatives like "indications were present" or "evidence suggested" can be used to adjust the tone or emphasis. A key writing tip is to use this phrase to subtly hint at upcoming developments, while avoiding premature conclusions based on insufficient evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indications were present

Replaces "there were signs" with a more formal tone, emphasizing the existence of indications.

evidence suggested

Focuses on the suggestive nature of the evidence, rather than a direct observation of signs.

clues were apparent

Highlights the clarity and visibility of the clues.

it was evident that

Shifts the focus to the conclusion drawn from the signs, rather than the signs themselves.

portents were visible

Implies a more ominous or significant nature of the signs, suggesting future events.

omens appeared

Suggests a more supernatural or symbolic interpretation of the signs.

foreshadowing was present

Emphasizes the literary aspect of the signs, hinting at future developments in a narrative.

warnings existed

Specifically highlights signs that serve as warnings of potential danger or negative outcomes.

precursors emerged

Focuses on the signs as early indicators or forerunners of something else.

the writing was on the wall

Idiomatic expression suggesting an inevitable and often negative outcome was clearly foretold.

FAQs

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

Use "there were signs" to indicate that evidence or indications of something existed. For example, "There were signs of a struggle at the crime scene".

What's the difference between "there were signs" and "there were indications"?

"There were signs" often implies a more visible or noticeable indication, whereas "there were indications" can refer to more subtle or inferred evidence.

What can I say instead of "there were signs"?

You can use alternatives like "indications were present", "evidence suggested", or "clues were apparent" depending on the context.

Is "there were signs" formal or informal?

"There were signs" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The choice of alternative phrasing depends on the specific tone and register required.