clues were

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clues were" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing evidence or hints that were present in a situation or context, often in a narrative or analytical setting. Example: "The detective noted that the clues were scattered throughout the crime scene, leading to various theories about the suspect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Clues were few.

The New York Times

Tactile clues were essential.

The New York Times

The clues were there.

The Guardian - Opinion

The clues were accurate.

The New York Times

No clues were revealed.

The New York Times

Other clues were left unexplored.

The New York Times

The clues were all there.

The Guardian - Opinion

The only clues were in his artwork.

The New York Times - Books

Other clues were placed within sudoku puzzles.

The Guardian

A few otherwise promising clues were flawed in this regard.

The Guardian

The clues were on his credit card bills.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clues were", ensure the context clearly establishes what the clues are pointing towards. Providing specific examples enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid presenting correlations as definitive "clues" without establishing a clear causal link. Overstating the importance of minor details can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clues were" typically functions as part of a clause within a sentence. According to Ludwig, it introduces information about the presence or state of evidence that is pertinent to a situation or narrative. This phrase often sets the stage for further analysis or explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clues were" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to indicate the existence of evidence or indicators, commonly found in contexts such as news reporting, scientific analyses, and general discussions. While versatile, writers should ensure that the connection between the "clues were" and their implications is clearly established. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in setting up analyses, building suspense, and supporting arguments, making it a valuable tool in effective communication. The neutral register and the phrase's frequency across diverse sources make it a versatile choice for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the evidence was

Changes the wording while preserving the core idea of existing proof.

there were signs

Uses a more general formulation to express the presence of indicators.

hints existed

Replaces "clues" with "hints" and uses "existed" for a slightly different nuance.

pointers existed

Suggests that there were pointers, references or indications.

indications were present

Substitutes both nouns and verbs for a more formal tone.

factors indicated

Highlights elements suggesting a certain condition or outcome.

evidence suggested

Shifts the focus to what the evidence implies rather than just its existence.

leads emerged

Focuses on the emergence or discovery of leads.

signs pointed to

Uses a more metaphorical expression for indicating direction or implication.

the trail led

Employs a narrative-focused variation implying a sequence of discoveries.

FAQs

How can I use "clues were" in a sentence?

You can use "clues were" to indicate that there was evidence or indicators present. For example, "The "clues were buried" in her bedroom" or "the "clues were all there" if only we'd paid attention".

What is a good alternative to "clues were"?

Alternatives include "hints existed", "indications were present", or "evidence suggested", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "clues were" or "there were clues"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "clues were" often implies a more direct connection to the subject being discussed, while "there were clues" is a more general statement about the existence of clues.

What's the difference between "clues were" and "the clue was"?

"Clues were" implies multiple pieces of evidence, while "the clue was" refers to a singular, specific piece of evidence. The choice depends on whether you're discussing multiple indicators or a single, key indicator.