they were accomplished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were accomplished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals who have achieved a high level of skill or success in a particular area. Example: "The team members were accomplished in their respective fields, bringing a wealth of experience to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

They were accomplished.

The New York Times

Those efforts, however, turned management over to community or nonprofit organizations, and they were accomplished in schools with small enrollments.

The New York Times

What makes the Jets' achievements seem even more remarkable is that, retrospectively at least, they were accomplished without benefit of a coaching staff.

The New York Times - Sports

Salmon has always been central to their culture and diet, and they were accomplished hunters of seals, sea lions and whales.

The New York Times - Travel

Not only were these stories moving, original and authentic, but they were accomplished with far less help from me than many of my private students were given.

The Washington Post

Hank Aaron has proposed a formula of putting asterisks on certain records to reflect the time in which they were accomplished.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Still, Dr. Sri and a few interns stayed on, though she wondered what they were accomplishing.

The New York Times

The workers said that when they did deliver these services, they had to do so haphazardly, knowing they were accomplishing little, if anything.

The New York Times

Their survey proceeded brilliantly, but they also knew, as Whitaker points out, that "they were accomplishing much more than simply measuring the arc at the Equator.

The New York Times - Books

Besides asking respondents about their moods, the researchers asked about their relationships with others and their sense that they were accomplishing something worthwhile.

The New York Times - Science

What did scientists like Clark believe they were accomplishing when they cooperated with commercial broadcasters?

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were accomplished" to highlight a group's proven skills or achievements, providing specific examples to support the claim. For example, "They were accomplished musicians, having performed in renowned concert halls worldwide."

Common error

Avoid using "they were accomplished" without providing context or evidence of their accomplishments. Simply stating they were accomplished without further explanation weakens the impact of your statement. Instead, specify their area of expertise or provide concrete examples of their achievements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were accomplished" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a quality of skill, expertise, or achievement to a group. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

22%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were accomplished" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a group's high level of skill or success. As Ludwig AI states, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news media, academic writing, and scientific reports. While common, writers should provide context to their accomplishments to avoid vague statements. Alternative phrases include "they succeeded" or "they excelled", each offering a slightly different nuance. Overall, "they were accomplished" is a versatile and effective way to highlight a group's achievements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they succeeded

Replaces "accomplished" with a direct verb indicating success.

they achieved their goals

More explicitly states that objectives were met.

they were proficient

Substitutes "accomplished" with an adjective highlighting skill level.

they excelled

Uses a verb to emphasize outstanding performance.

they were skilled

Focuses on the possession of skills.

they mastered the art

Suggests complete understanding and control of a subject.

they were adept

Replaces "accomplished" with a synonym indicating skill and dexterity.

they were effective

Indicates the ability to produce a desired result.

they triumphed

Emphasizes a victory or great success.

they were victorious

Highlights the state of having won or been successful.

FAQs

How can I use "they were accomplished" in a sentence?

Use "they were accomplished" to describe a group that has achieved a high level of skill or success in a specific field. For example, "They were accomplished musicians, known for their innovative compositions."

What are some alternatives to "they were accomplished"?

Alternatives include "they succeeded", "they excelled", or "they were proficient". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "they were accomplished" or "they accomplished a lot"?

"They were accomplished" focuses on the group's skill and expertise, while "they accomplished a lot" emphasizes the quantity of their achievements. Choose the phrasing that best reflects the intended meaning.

What does it mean when someone says "they are accomplished"?

It means that the individuals in question have achieved a high level of skill, expertise, or success in a particular field or endeavor.