they were available

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were available" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something or someone was accessible or ready for use at a certain time in the past. Example: "The resources were limited, but they were available when we needed them most."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They were available at Citarella.

The New Yorker

And they were available immediately.

The New York Times

They were available at all performances.

The New York Times

As a result, they were available for anyone to read.

The Guardian

In fact, they were available on 17 November.

The Guardian

"I didn't think they were available," Mr. Krone said.

The New York Times

Would you choose healthier items if they were available?

The New York Times

But they were available to lawyers and their clients.

The New York Times - Health

Because they lived on the boats, they were available 24/7.

The Guardian

They were available for purchase on demand, but seem to have been discontinued.

The Guardian - Film

Officer Renee Turner bought a pair as soon as they were available.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were available", ensure the context clearly specifies what 'they' refers to and the conditions under which they were accessible. For clarity, consider adding a specific timeframe or location.

Common error

Avoid using "they were available" without a clear antecedent for 'they'. Readers may struggle to understand what you're referring to if the subject isn't explicitly defined earlier in the sentence or paragraph.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were available" functions as a statement of past accessibility. According to Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to indicate that something or someone was accessible or ready for use at a certain time in the past. For example, to describe resources or opportunities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were available" is a versatile phrase used to express past accessibility or readiness. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general communication. While highly adaptable, maintaining clear pronoun reference is crucial to avoid ambiguity. When seeking variety, consider alternatives such as "they were accessible" or "they were ready" to fine-tune your message. The phrase’s pervasive presence across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and broad applicability in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were accessible

Focuses on the ease of access rather than simply being present.

they were obtainable

Highlights the possibility of acquiring something.

they were ready

Emphasizes the state of preparedness.

they were at hand

Implies nearness and ease of access.

they were in stock

Specifically refers to items being available for purchase.

they were on offer

Suggests a promotion or special deal.

they could be found

Indicates the possibility of locating them.

they were provided

Focuses on the act of supplying or furnishing something.

they were present

Simply states their existence in a particular place or time.

they were up for grabs

Suggests a competitive situation where they can be acquired.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they were available" for variety?

Consider alternatives such as "they were accessible", "they were obtainable", or "they were ready" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "they was available"?

No, the correct form is "they were available". "Were" is the plural past tense form of the verb "to be", and should be used with the plural pronoun "they".

What's the difference between "they were available" and "they are available"?

"They were available" refers to a past state of being accessible or ready for use, while "they are available" indicates a current state of accessibility.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "they were available"?

The phrase "they were available" is suitable in various contexts to indicate that something or someone was accessible, obtainable, or ready for use in the past. Common contexts include describing resources, opportunities, products, or people being accessible at a specific time.