what there was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'what there was' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about some thing that exists in a particular environment or place. For example: "When I arrived, I realized there were very few people there, so I asked my friend what there was to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And then I figured out what there was to do.

The New Yorker

It goes back some 10,000 years to when society, or what there was of it, went agricultural.

The New York Times - Books

"What?" There was time.

The New Yorker

What there was not was a debate.

The New York Times

That said, what there was was wonderful.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Dr. what?" There was a long pause.

The New Yorker

What there was to be proud of, goodness knows.

Independent

We were hungry, though, and that was what there was.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What there was not was a way through.

The Guardian - Sport

"Do you know what, there was nothing in that at all," he said.

Independent

I thought I knew all, or most, of what there was to learn about the massacre.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase to acknowledge a past state or condition, often implying a contrast with the present. For instance, "Compared to what there was before, the improvements are significant."

Common error

Avoid using "what there was" when referring to hypothetical situations or possibilities. This phrase is best suited for factual statements about past or present conditions, not for speculative scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what there was" functions as a nominal clause, acting as a noun phrase within a sentence. It typically refers to a quantity, amount, or state that existed in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what there was" functions as a nominal clause to denote a past state, quantity, or condition. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and general usability across various contexts, as seen in the numerous examples from news and media sources. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's most impactful when highlighting a change or limitation. Common usage involves contrasting past and present conditions or emphasizing resourcefulness in the face of scarcity. When writing, remember that this phrase is best for factual statements about past or present conditions, not speculation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the existing amount

Focuses on the quantity or measure that exists.

the available resources

Emphasizes the resources that were accessible or obtainable.

the extent of something

Highlights the scope, range, or degree of what existed.

the reality of the situation

Highlights the actual circumstances or state of affairs.

the sum total

Emphasizes the aggregate or combined amount of what existed.

the inventory at hand

Refers to the specific items or resources that were currently present or accessible.

the scope of existence

Emphasizes the boundaries of being or reality.

the prevailing conditions

Highlights the circumstances and elements that were in effect at the time.

the limited options

Stresses the few choices or possibilities that were present.

the prevailing situation

Focuses on the overall state of affairs at a given moment.

FAQs

How can I use "what there was" in a sentence?

You can use "what there was" to refer to the limited amount or availability of something in a given situation. For example, "We had to make do with "what there was" available at the time".

What are some alternatives to "what there was"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the available resources", "the existing amount", or "the extent of something", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "what there was" in formal writing?

Yes, "what there was" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing factual situations or conditions. However, consider whether a more precise or descriptive phrase might be more appropriate for clarity and impact.

What's the difference between "what there was" and "what there is"?

"What there was" refers to something that existed in the past, while "what there is" refers to something that exists in the present. For example, "We appreciated "what there was" then, but now we have even more opportunities."