| 'twas(verb, past, contraction, was) |
| it was(expression, past, existence, presence) |
| it happened(expression, being, life, past) |
| it materialized(expression, past, existence, presence) |
| it had being(expression, experience, being, existence) |
| it took place(expression, past, existence, presence) |
| it used to be(expression, past, existence, presence) |
| it existed(expression, experience, being, life, past) |
| it had existence(expression, being, life, past) |
| it lasted(expression, process, life, living, breathing) |
| it came to pass(expression, being, life, past) |
| it arose(expression, past, existence, presence) |
| it befell(expression, past, existence, presence) |
| it came about(expression, being, life, past) |
| it ensued(expression, past, existence, presence) |
| it occured(expression, past, existence, presence) |
| it cropped up(expression, past, existence, presence) |
| it betided(expression, past, existence, presence) |