there were times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there were times" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to convey a sense of remembering or reminiscing, or to set up a story. For example, "I still remember the days when we first met. There were times when I felt so in love, it was like nothing I had ever felt before".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

There were 56 funerals.

Independent

& there were 4 deaths.

The New Yorker

There were 63 students.

The New Yorker

There were 581 pictures.

The New York Times

There were 10 abstentions.

The New York Times

There were 15 choices.

The New York Times

There were 55 chairs.

The New York Times

There were 3-pointers.

The New York Times - Sports

There were 2 performances.

The New Yorker

There were 86 exhibits.

The New Yorker

There were 19 thousand spectators.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "there were times" with vivid imagery or specific details to create a strong sense of nostalgia or contrast with the present.

Common error

Avoid using "there were times" too frequently in a single piece of writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms like "there used to be times" or "in the past there were times" for a more engaging narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there were times" functions as an existential clause, introducing a past period or occasions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It sets the stage for recounting past experiences or conditions, adding context to a narrative or reflection. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there were times" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to introduce reflections on the past. As Ludwig AI correctly identifies, it serves to set the stage for recounting experiences or contrasting situations. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, from news reporting to personal anecdotes. While highly versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "there used to be times" to maintain a fresh and engaging narrative. The frequency of this phrase across authoritative sources like The New York Times and the BBC underscores its established place in both formal and informal English communication. In essence, mastering the use of "there were times" can significantly enhance one's ability to convey depth and context in writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there used to be times

This alternative emphasizes a past state that no longer exists, adding a sense of change over time.

in the past there were times

This reorders the phrase for a slightly more formal or emphatic tone.

there have been occasions

Using "occasions" provides a more formal and somewhat less frequent alternative to "times".

i recall times when

This shifts the focus to a personal recollection using "I recall".

i remember instances when

This uses "instances" to highlight specific occurrences.

back then, there were times

Adding "back then" explicitly sets the context in a specific past period.

during that period, there were times

This alternative provides a more formal way to specify the time frame.

there were moments when

Substituting "moments" for "times" suggests shorter, more fleeting experiences.

on certain occasions, there were

This phrase uses "on certain occasions" to denote specific instances.

at one point, there were times

This highlights a particular juncture in the past.

FAQs

How can I start a sentence with "there were times"?

You can use "there were times" to set the scene or introduce a memory, such as, "There were times when I doubted myself, but I kept going."

What does "there were times" imply about the present?

"There were times" often implies a contrast with the current situation, suggesting that things have changed since then. For instance, "There were times when we struggled financially, but now we are stable."

Is "there was times" grammatically correct?

No, "there was times" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "there were times", using the plural form "were" to agree with the plural noun "times".

What's a more formal alternative to "there were times"?

More formal alternatives include phrases like "there have been occasions" or "during that period, there were times". depending on the context.