# there was

idiom · CEFR A1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/there-was
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

You use 'there was' to say that one thing existed somewhere or at some time in the past. For more than one thing, you use 'there were'.

## Examples

- There was a cat in the garden.
- When I arrived at the party, there was a long line of people waiting to get inside.
- Although the old house appeared abandoned, there was a faint light flickering in the attic window that suggested someone remained inside.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.