they were beautiful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were beautiful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that possesses beauty, often in a general or subjective sense. Example: "The flowers in the garden were beautiful, attracting many visitors throughout the spring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They were beautiful ads".

The New York Times

They were beautiful.

The New York Times - Arts

"I thought they were beautiful".

The New York Times

They were beautiful plants.

The New York Times

They were beautiful, yet terrifying.

The Guardian - Travel

They were beautiful, he believed.

The New York Times - Arts

"They were beautiful," he said.

The New York Times

Brock corrected herself: "They were beautiful animals.

The New York Times

They were beautiful, he later recalled.

The New York Times

They were beautiful and very tasty.

The New York Times

They were beautiful people whom I shall miss.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were beautiful", ensure the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a specific subject mentioned previously in your writing. This prevents ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "they were beautiful" repetitively without providing specific details about what made them beautiful. Instead, vary your descriptions and use more descriptive language to paint a vivid picture for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were beautiful" functions as a declarative statement, expressing an opinion or observation about the aesthetic qualities of a subject. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were beautiful" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey admiration or appreciation for something's aesthetic qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and widespread across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, clarity is key: ensure "they" refers clearly to a previously mentioned subject. For alternative expressions, consider "they were stunning" or "they were gorgeous" to add emphasis, or "they were lovely" for a gentler tone. Remember to provide context and descriptive details to enhance your writing beyond a simple statement of beauty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were stunning

Replaces "beautiful" with a stronger adjective emphasizing impressiveness.

they were gorgeous

Similar to "beautiful" but conveys a sense of richness and attractiveness.

they were lovely

A gentler, more affectionate way of saying "beautiful".

they were magnificent

Emphasizes grandeur and splendor, suitable for describing impressive sights.

they were exquisite

Suggests delicate beauty and intricate craftsmanship.

they were delightful

Highlights the pleasure and joy derived from their beauty.

they were attractive

A more general term for pleasing in appearance.

they were elegant

Focuses on grace and refined style.

they were impressive

Highlights the admirable qualities and impact they had.

they were remarkable

Emphasizes how worthy of attention they were due to beauty or other qualities.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "they were stunning", "they were gorgeous", or "they were lovely" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "they were beautiful" in a sentence?

Ensure that "they" has a clear referent in your sentence. For example, "The paintings were vibrant and full of life; they were beautiful to behold."

Is it always appropriate to use "they were beautiful"?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the context. In more formal settings, you might opt for a more sophisticated or descriptive alternative.

What's the difference between "they were beautiful" and "they looked beautiful"?

"They were beautiful" implies inherent beauty, while "they looked beautiful" suggests that their beauty was perceived or presented in a certain way. For instance, "They were beautiful people inside and out" focuses on intrinsic qualities, whereas, "they looked beautiful with kohl-rimmed eyes" focuses on external appearance.