they were attractive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were attractive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's physical appearance or appeal in a general context. Example: "At the party, I noticed that they were attractive, drawing the attention of many guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

They were attractive, intelligent, successful people.

The New York Times

But they were dead-enders, and they were attractive.

The New York Times

Those who were led to believe that they were attractive were less likely to donate.

Stanford University

To locals and tourists alike, they were attractive and friendly, and their buildings were adaptable.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were attractive combinations of Spanish music, bop chords and blues.

The New York Times - Arts

They were attractive in a down-to-earth way, not wildly different from anyone's well-groomed neighbor.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"Usually when they are expensive, they are attractive," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

They are attractive, elegant in appearance and trouble-free.

The New York Times

Nor do the pictures, though they are attractive and plentiful.

The New York Times - Books

They're young, they're attractive, they're expecting a baby, and now they're ready to leave the city.

The New York Times

"They're attractive, they're complex, and the guys have never been portrayed superior to the women," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group, follow "they were attractive" with specific details to illustrate the nature of their appeal. For instance, specify if their attractiveness stems from their style, personality, or a combination of factors.

Common error

Avoid vague statements by providing specific details about the subjects' appealing features. Instead of just stating "they were attractive", describe their captivating qualities to create a vivid image for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were attractive" serves as a descriptive statement, attributing the quality of attractiveness to a group of individuals. It's a subjective assessment, as evidenced by examples provided by Ludwig, indicating a perception or judgment rather than an objective fact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were attractive" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a group of people, indicating that they possessed qualities considered pleasing or appealing. According to Ludwig, the phrase is used across various contexts, including news, science, and business, and is suitable for both formal and informal writing. While generally neutral in tone, remember to provide specific details to avoid vagueness and potential biases. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is readily understood and used in many different ways, so remember to give enough context to clarify your idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were good-looking

A straightforward and common way to describe physical attractiveness.

they looked appealing

Highlights the visual aspect of attractiveness.

they had appeal

Focuses on the characteristic of possessing attractiveness.

they possessed beauty

Highlights the inherent quality of being beautiful.

they seemed desirable

Emphasizes the quality of being wanted or sought after.

they were aesthetically pleasing

Focuses on the pleasing or beautiful appearance based on aesthetic principles.

they came across as alluring

Indicates that they had a captivating or tempting quality.

they exuded magnetism

Implies a powerful and compelling attractiveness.

they radiated charm

Stresses their captivating and pleasant manner.

they were visually striking

Emphasizes a remarkable or impressive appearance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they were attractive" to avoid repetition?

You can use alternatives such as "they were appealing", "they seemed desirable", or "they looked good" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to say "they were attractive"?

Saying "they were attractive" indicates that a group of people possessed qualities that were pleasing or appealing to others, often in a physical or aesthetic sense. It suggests that they had a certain allure or charm.

Is it appropriate to use "they were attractive" in formal writing?

Yes, "they were attractive" is generally appropriate for formal writing as it is a grammatically correct and commonly understood phrase. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the tone and purpose of your writing.

What are some nuances to consider when using "they were attractive"?

Be mindful of potential biases or stereotypes associated with physical appearance. Providing additional context or details can help avoid generalizations and ensure a more nuanced and sensitive portrayal of the individuals you are describing. Consider mentioning personality or accomplishments alongside their appearance.