they were adorable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were adorable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is charming or cute, often in a positive context. Example: "The puppies they adopted were adorable, bringing joy to the entire family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

They were adorable.

The New York Times

I thought they were adorable.

Vice

"My friend [and past Teva collaborator] Humberto [Leon] gave me a pair, and they were adorable.

Los Angeles Times

The kids took the reins and asked their parents questions, and they were as thoughtful as they were adorable.

Huffington Post

On my Facebook news feed alone I saw hundreds of little children starting their first day of school, and they were adorable.

Huffington Post

"They were adorable," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Greg Muenzen, a sculptor in the house, added: "They're adorable together.

The New York Times - Style

And they are adorable.

TechCrunch

They're adorable together".

Los Angeles Times

Honestly, they're adorable.

Vice

They are adorable!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were adorable" to describe something or someone that evokes a sense of delight and affection. Ensure the context is appropriate for a positive and lighthearted tone.

Common error

Avoid using "they were adorable" in highly formal or professional writing where a more sophisticated or objective tone is required. Choose a more neutral or descriptive term instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were adorable" functions as a descriptive statement. It predicates the quality of being extremely charming or delightful to a plural subject. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were adorable" is a descriptive expression used to convey that a group was charming and delightful in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly found in various contexts, especially in news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and avoid using it in highly formal situations where a more objective tone is preferred. Related phrases include "they were delightful" and "they were charming", offering alternative ways to express similar sentiments. Remember to leverage its positive connotation effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were delightful

Focuses on the pleasant and charming nature of the subject.

they were charming

Highlights the captivating and pleasing qualities.

they were lovely

Emphasizes the beauty and pleasantness.

they were precious

Stresses the high value and delicate nature.

they were sweet

Indicates kindness and pleasantness.

they were endearing

Highlights the quality of inspiring affection.

they were captivating

Focuses on the ability to attract and hold interest.

they were enchanting

Suggests a magical or spellbinding quality.

they were winsome

Emphasizes their attractiveness and charm in a childlike way.

they were appealing

Highlights their attractiveness and desirability.

FAQs

What does "they were adorable" mean?

The phrase "they were adorable" expresses that someone or something was extremely charming and delightful, evoking a sense of affection.

What can I say instead of "they were adorable"?

You can use alternatives like "they were delightful", "they were charming", or "they were lovely" depending on the context.

Is "they are adorable" grammatically correct?

Yes, "they are adorable" is grammatically correct. It is used to describe something or someone that is currently charming and delightful. "They were adorable" simply places that state in the past.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "they were adorable"?

The phrase "they were adorable" is best used in informal or semi-formal contexts to describe something that was particularly charming and delightful, such as children, pets, or decorations.