There are many different ways to express the idea of "were there." Depending on the context, you could say "existed," "were present," "occurred," "took place," "happened," or "came about." These synonyms each have slightly different connotations and may be better suited for different situations. For example, "were present" emphasizes the physical presence of something or someone, while "took place" emphasizes the idea of an event occurring in a certain location or time. By using different synonyms for "were there," you can add variety and nuance to your writing or speech, making it more engaging and precise.