they are pretty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are pretty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone as attractive or pleasing in appearance. Example: "The flowers in the garden are pretty, adding a vibrant touch to the landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are pretty talented".

The New York Times - Sports

They are pretty.

The New York Times

"They are pretty dead".

The New York Times - Sports

They are pretty independent cusses.

The New York Times

They are pretty good, too.

The Economist

"They are pretty cool guys.

The New York Times - Sports

They are pretty awake".

The New York Times

Now, they are pretty good.

The Economist

They are pretty mainstream.

The Guardian

They are pretty great.

The New Yorker

They are pretty sexy".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "they are pretty" when you want to convey that something or someone is pleasing to the eye or possesses a certain charm. It's suitable for everyday conversation and informal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "pretty" solely as an intensifier (e.g., "they are pretty important") in formal contexts. Opt for more precise adverbs like 'very', 'quite', or 'extremely' to enhance clarity and maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are pretty" functions primarily as a descriptive statement. It's used to express an opinion about the appearance or quality of a subject, indicating that it is pleasing or attractive. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

10%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they are pretty" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe something or someone as visually appealing or pleasing. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase's validity and widespread usage. While versatile, it's important to consider the context; in more formal settings, alternatives like "they are beautiful" or "they are attractive" might be more suitable. As demonstrated by the examples, this phrase is common in News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating broad acceptability in various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are attractive

This alternative replaces "pretty" with a more direct term for physical appeal.

they are lovely

This alternative offers a slightly more affectionate or charming connotation.

they are beautiful

This alternative suggests a higher degree of aesthetic appeal.

they are good-looking

This alternative is more informal and focuses on visual appeal.

they are appealing

This alternative highlights the quality of being pleasing or attractive in a general sense.

they are handsome

This alternative is typically used for males and conveys a strong, attractive appearance.

they are quite nice

This alternative is a more understated way of saying something is agreeable.

they are charming

This alternative conveys a sense of pleasantness and the ability to attract or please.

they are delightful

This alternative suggests a sense of joy or pleasure.

they are rather fetching

This alternative is slightly old-fashioned and implies an appealing or attractive quality.

FAQs

How can I use "they are pretty" in a sentence?

You can use "they are pretty" to describe something visually appealing, like "They are pretty flowers" or "They are pretty decorations". It can also describe someone's appearance, like "They are pretty girls".

What can I say instead of "they are pretty"?

Alternatives to "they are pretty" include "they are beautiful", "they are attractive", or "they are lovely", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe a man as "they are pretty"?

The term "pretty" is more commonly used to describe women or feminine objects. For men, it's more appropriate to use terms like "they are handsome" or "they are good-looking".

What's the difference between "they are pretty" and "they are beautiful"?

"Pretty" suggests a delicate or charming attractiveness, while "beautiful" implies a deeper, more striking aesthetic quality. The choice depends on the specific impression you wish to create.