there were snipers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there were snipers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing military situations, security incidents, or any scenario where snipers are present. Example: "During the conflict, there were snipers positioned on the rooftops, making it dangerous for civilians to move freely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

There were snipers everywhere.

The New Yorker

"There were snipers and shelling".

The New York Times

"There were snipers on the buildings".

The New York Times

"There were snipers on the roof of the post office," he said.

The New York Times

Laura Pitter, who was stringing for Time, said, "There were snipers picking off women and children.

The New Yorker

Conditions were tough – there was no running water, no toilets and there were snipers.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Even in areas like mine, under the control of the Free Army, there are snipers.

The Guardian

Up on the roof of the City Hall and the schools there are snipers shooting at people randomly.

Vice

"There are snipers on all the buildings.

The Guardian

As long as there are snipers outside of Sarajevo, Sarajevo exists.

The New Yorker

There are snipers all around on the high buildings.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "there were snipers", ensure the context clearly establishes the location and timeframe to provide a complete picture of the situation. For instance, specify "there were snipers on the rooftops during the siege".

Common error

Avoid using "there were snipers" without providing specific details about their location or affiliation, which can lead to unnecessary panic or misinformation. Instead, provide accurate information such as "there were snipers believed to be part of the rebel faction".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there were snipers" functions as an existential clause, asserting the existence of snipers in a particular context. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there were snipers" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, particularly in news and media contexts, to convey the presence of snipers. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for informing or warning about potential dangers in conflict situations. To ensure clarity, always specify the location and timeframe. While alternatives like "snipers were present" exist, "there were snipers" remains a direct and widely understood way to communicate this information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

snipers were present

Changes the sentence structure while keeping the same meaning.

snipers were active

Focuses on the action of the snipers, emphasizing their involvement.

snipers were positioned

Highlights the strategic placement of snipers in a location.

snipers were on rooftops

Specifies a common location for snipers, adding detail.

the area was sniper-infested

Describes the area as heavily populated with snipers.

sniper fire was present

Shifts the focus to the action of sniper fire rather than the snipers themselves.

the threat of snipers was high

Emphasizes the danger posed by snipers.

snipers posed a threat

Focuses on the danger the snipers presented.

snipers were a danger

Directly states the snipers' potential to cause harm.

sniper activity was reported

Indicates that snipers have been observed or documented.

FAQs

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

You can use "there were snipers" to describe a situation where snipers were present. For example, "During the conflict, "there were snipers" positioned on the rooftops of the buildings." Ensure that the context clearly indicates the location and time frame.

What are some alternatives to "there were snipers"?

Alternatives include phrases like "snipers were present", "snipers were active", or "snipers were positioned", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "there were sniper" instead of "there were snipers"?

No, it is not correct. The correct plural form is "snipers". Therefore, the correct phrase is ""there were snipers"".

What is the difference between saying "there were snipers" and "snipers were present"?

Both phrases convey a similar meaning, but ""there were snipers"" is a more common and direct way to state the existence of snipers. "Snipers were present" is slightly more formal and can be used to emphasize their presence in a particular location or situation.