they loved that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they loved that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong positive feelings or enjoyment about something that has been mentioned or experienced. Example: "After the concert, they loved that the band played their favorite song."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

They loved that song.

The New York Times - Magazine

They loved that independence".

The Guardian

"They loved that," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

And he would always get the best of the Captain, and they loved that".

The New York Times - Arts

They loved that story, as well as "The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck".

The New York Times

They loved that dog, too, and they would stand at the window and wave at it".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

They love that stuff.

The Guardian - Sport

"They love that feeling of wildness".

The Guardian

They love that white trash...

The New York Times

"He kept saying: 'They love that dude.

The New York Times - Sports

"They love that sweet, limestone soil and eastern exposure".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they loved that" to express a strong, positive reaction to a specific event, action, or thing. Ensure the context clearly identifies who "they" refers to and what "that" represents.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the referent of "that" is clear. If the context doesn't immediately provide the information, specify the object or idea to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

Expressing positive reception or enjoyment. The phrase "they loved that" functions to communicate that a group of people experienced a strong positive emotion or reaction towards something. It's a simple yet effective way to convey appreciation or approval, as Ludwig AI examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they loved that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express strong positive sentiment or enjoyment. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, clarity regarding the referent of "they" and "that" is crucial to avoid ambiguity. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "they appreciated that greatly". Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication when conveying positive reactions or approval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they adored that

Replaces "loved" with a stronger term, "adored", indicating a deeper level of affection or enjoyment.

they were thrilled with that

Shifts the focus to their emotional state, emphasizing excitement and pleasure.

they were delighted by that

Similar to "thrilled", but suggests a more refined or gentle sense of pleasure.

that was a hit with them

Changes the structure to emphasize the positive reception of something by "them".

they were fans of that

Indicates they appreciated or supported something, framing it as something they admired.

they really enjoyed that

Uses "enjoyed" to express pleasure, providing a slightly less intense alternative to "loved".

that resonated with them

Suggests that something connected with them on a deeper, more meaningful level.

they appreciated that very much

Emphasizes gratitude and acknowledgment of value.

they approved of that

Indicates formal or explicit agreement and satisfaction.

they took great pleasure in that

Formal way of saying they enjoyed something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they loved that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "they appreciated that greatly", "they derived considerable satisfaction from that", or "that was highly regarded by them". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What are some alternatives to "they loved that" that express a similar sentiment?

You can use alternatives like "they adored that", "they were thrilled with that", or "they really enjoyed that" to express a similar feeling of enjoyment or appreciation.

Is "they loved that" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "they loved that" might be too informal for most academic writing. Opt for more neutral and descriptive language to maintain objectivity. For instance, "that was well-received by the participants".

What's the difference between "they loved that" and "they liked that"?

"They loved that" implies a stronger, more intense positive emotion than "they liked that". "Loved" suggests a high degree of enjoyment, appreciation, or affection, whereas "liked" indicates a milder preference.