they cared about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they cared about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express concern or interest in someone or something. Example: "They cared about the well-being of their community and worked hard to make a difference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They cared about social justice.

The New York Times

They cared about their friends.

The New Yorker

They cared about nothing else".

The New Yorker

They cared about the poor.

The New York Times

"People lost everything they cared about".

The New York Times

They cared about their well-being".

The New York Times - Books

They cared about each other's opinions.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

All they care about is winning.

The New York Times

All they care about is looking good.

Independent

They care about music.

The New York Times

They care about Palestine.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they cared about" to clearly convey a sense of concern, value, or responsibility towards a person, idea, or thing. Ensure the context provides enough information about what or whom they cared about.

Common error

Do not use "they cared about" without clearly specifying to whom or what 'they' refers. Ambiguity can confuse the reader. For example, instead of saying, "They cared about the issue", specify who 'they' are.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they cared about" functions as a declarative statement expressing the concern, value, or importance that a group (represented by 'they') placed on something or someone. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they cared about" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig. It effectively conveys concern, value, or responsibility. Its versatility makes it suitable across various registers, with predominant usage in News & Media, reflecting its importance in reporting perspectives and motivations. It's essential to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "they were concerned with" or "they valued" can provide subtle shifts in emphasis. By avoiding vagueness and ensuring clarity, writers can leverage "they cared about" to enhance their narrative effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were concerned with

Focuses more on worry or attentiveness to a matter.

they showed concern for

Highlights the outward expression of their care.

they had regard for

Indicates respect and consideration.

they valued

Emphasizes the importance they placed on something.

they were invested in

Suggests a deeper, more involved interest.

they felt for

Highlights empathy and emotional connection.

they took interest in

Indicates a deliberate and conscious attention.

they were mindful of

Emphasizes their awareness and consideration.

they respected

Highlights a sense of admiration and esteem.

they prioritized

Indicates that something was given precedence or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "they cared about" in a sentence?

You can use "they cared about" to show concern or value towards someone or something. For example, "They cared about the environment and actively participated in conservation efforts."

What phrases are similar to "they cared about"?

Similar phrases include "they were concerned with", "they valued", or "they were invested in", which can add nuance depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "they cared about"?

Yes, "they cared about" is grammatically correct. It uses the past tense of the verb 'care' with the plural pronoun 'they' and the preposition 'about'.

What's the difference between "they cared about" and "they were interested in"?

"They cared about" implies a deeper sense of concern or value, while "they were interested in" simply suggests curiosity or attention. The first indicates emotional investment, whereas the second may not.