There was a large [poor] attendance at the theater.
劇場は大入りだった[入りが少なかった]
There was a large [big, good] turnout at the festival.
その祭りはたいへんな人出だった
There was a moment of blessed silence.
ありがたいことに一瞬静かになった
There was a ring at the door.
玄関のベルが鳴った
There was a rumor afloat that they were facing bankruptcy.
彼らが倒産寸前とのうわさが流れていた
There was a run on the bank following the stock market crash.
株式市況の値崩れに続いて銀行の取り付け騒ぎが起こった
There was a sharp rap on the door.
ドアを強くノックする音がした
There was a space of silence.
少し沈黙があった
There was a sudden drop in temperature before the rain.
雨の降る前に急に気温が下がった
There was an earthquake just now.
たった今地震があった