there were winters when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there were winters when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a reflection or memory about specific winters in the past, often to evoke nostalgia or describe experiences during those times. Example: "There were winters when the snow would blanket the entire town, creating a magical landscape that felt like a scene from a storybook."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

There were winters when there wasn't work to be found.

The New York Times

There were winters when I'd be at the Armory every night of the week and then all day Saturday for a tournament.

The New York Times

There were winters when we had no choice but to eat what my father brought home.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, on the Canadian prairies – "it's not the ends of the earth but you can see it from there", as the former prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau once said – and there were winters in my childhood when it never went above minus 20 for months.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think it will be winter when he comes.

The New Yorker

It is winter when I return to the London centre.

The Guardian

And they helped me be a better person, and I became a mother, and I lost my own mother, so it's growing times, and there are seasons, and you can't get too hard on yourselves when there are winters.

Huffington Post

There are winter and summer balls too.

Independent

During a long winter, there were moments when Patrick Rafter's surgically repaired shoulder deceived him.

The New York Times - Sports

"But there were some winter nights when I'd sit inside with my woolens on," Mrs. Freund said, laughing.

The New York Times

A story called "Bali Woman" opens with a dreamy, haunted monologue: "There are times when winter reminds me of something.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there were winters when" to introduce a specific memory or reflection about a period in time, often to set a scene or provide context for a narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "there were winters when" if you're describing a general, ongoing condition that's true for all winters. This phrase is best when highlighting specific winters with unique characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there were winters when" functions as an introductory clause, setting the stage for a description or narrative about specific winter seasons. It is used to recall specific events or conditions that occurred during those times, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there were winters when" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce reflections or memories about specific winter seasons. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, where it serves to contextualize narratives and evoke specific atmospheres. While not extremely common, the phrase is appropriate for neutral to slightly formal registers. Remember to use it when referring to particular winters with notable characteristics, and avoid it for general descriptions of winter seasons. This phrase effectively sets the stage for storytelling about memorable experiences during certain winters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during some winters

Emphasizes the duration across a selection of winter seasons.

there were those winters when

Adds emphasis on specific winters.

in winters past when

A slightly more poetic or nostalgic rephrasing.

winters marked by

Highlights the significant attribute or memory tied to the specific season.

in past winters

Focuses more directly on the time period of past winters, omitting the sense of specific instances.

during winter seasons when

Uses 'winter seasons' for slightly more formal tone.

certain winters saw

Replaces the existential "there were" with a more active verb, indicating what those winters experienced.

winters that featured

Emphasizes specific characteristics during the winters.

some winters involved

Changes the sentence structure to highlight an activity or event during the winter.

throughout winters in which

Indicates a continuous period across several winters.

FAQs

How can I use "there were winters when" in a sentence?

Use "there were winters when" to introduce a memory or reflection about a specific period. For example, "There were winters when the snow piled so high we couldn't open the front door."

What phrases are similar to "there were winters when"?

Similar phrases include "during some winters", "in past winters", or "winters marked by", which all refer to specific or memorable winter seasons.

Is it correct to say "there was winters when" instead of "there were winters when"?

No, "there was winters when" is grammatically incorrect. Because "winters" is plural, you should use the plural form of the verb "to be", which is "were". The correct phrase is "there were winters when."

What's the difference between "there were winters when" and "there were times when"?

"There were winters when" refers specifically to the winter season, while "there were times when" is more general and can refer to any period. Use "there were winters when" when your focus is specifically on winter seasons.