these were

USAGE SUMMARY

"these were" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a clause that describes an event or situation that has already happened, or to introduce a list of items. For example: "These were the main challenges we faced in this project." "These were the items we bought at the store: apples, oranges, and bananas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These were missed opportunities.

The New York Times - Arts

These were lean times.

The New Yorker

These were blind spots".

The New York Times

These were leaders".

The New Yorker

These were egregious mistakes.

The New York Times

These were shaky suppositions.

The New York Times - Magazine

These were all failures.

The New York Times

These were faraway questions.

The New York Times

These were stunning results.

Independent

These were good times.

The New Yorker

These were the breeders.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "these were" to clearly introduce a description, explanation, or list of items or events that occurred in the past.

Common error

Avoid using "these were" when referring to something that is currently happening. Use "these are" instead to indicate the present tense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "these were" functions as a determiner and verb combination used to introduce a description, explanation, or list of items or events that existed in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "these were" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to introduce descriptions, explanations, or lists of items or events that existed in the past. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and wide applicability. While it is suitable for various contexts, it's crucial to avoid using it in the present tense, as it specifically refers to past occurrences. Its neutral register and high frequency in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker make it a valuable tool for effective communication. Remember to consider the context and ensure proper tense usage to convey your intended meaning accurately. The primary usage is in "News & Media".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

those were

Replaces "these" with "those", indicating a greater distance or a different level of specificity.

they had been

Emphasizes a past state or condition using the past perfect tense.

those had been

Combines "those" with the past perfect tense for a similar effect.

these have been

Shifts the tense to present perfect, indicating a continuing relevance to the present.

those are

Uses the present tense to identify or describe something in the present moment, in contrast to the past.

these are

Uses the present tense to identify or describe something in the present moment.

this was

Changes the plural "these" to the singular "this", focusing on a single item or event.

it was

Uses "it" to refer to a previously mentioned subject, simplifying the sentence structure.

those seemed

Replaces "were" with "seemed" to indicate an appearance rather than a definitive statement.

they appeared

Similar to "those seemed", indicating an impression or observation rather than a concrete fact.

FAQs

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

Use "these were" to introduce a description or a list of items or events that existed or occurred in the past. For example, "These were the main reasons for the decision."

What's the difference between "these were" and "these are"?

"These were" refers to something in the past, while "these are" refers to something in the present. For example, "These were the old rules," versus "these are the new rules."

When should I use "those were" instead of "these were"?

Use "those were" when referring to items or events that are further away or less immediately connected to the speaker, while "these were" implies closer proximity or connection.

What are some alternatives to using "these were" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "they had been", "those were", or "these have been".