they were charming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were charming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or a group of people who have an appealing or delightful personality or demeanor. Example: "At the party, they were charming, effortlessly engaging everyone in conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

They were charming clowns.

The New Yorker

They were charming in the way spritely dinner party partners are charming.

The New York Times

Up came a couple of facts that were as curious as they were charming.

The New York Times - Sports

They were charming, intelligent, articulate, considerate: everything young French, early 21st-century men – like young British men – are supposed not to be.

Independent

They were charming, clean black-and-white shots in keeping with the image of Club Monaco as a charming, clean black-and-white brand.

The New York Times

Sea lions are so outrageously cute, even I had to concede they were charming, and I usually vomit at the sight of rainbows.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

They're charming, funny, seductive.

The New Yorker

They are charming.

The Guardian

They are charming but outmoded.

The New York Times

(They're not. They're charming).

The New York Times

In the right frame of mind, however, they are charming.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing fiction, use "they were charming" to quickly establish characters as likable or intriguing. It's a succinct way to set the tone for how the reader should perceive them.

Common error

Avoid using "they were charming" sarcastically unless the context is extremely clear. Sarcasm can be missed in written form, leading to misunderstandings about your true opinion of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were charming" functions as a descriptive statement. It predicates a quality ('charming') to a group of people ('they') using the past tense of the verb 'to be'. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for use in written English to depict someone or a group of people with appealing attributes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were charming" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a group of people as delightful and attractive. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability, particularly in the context of News & Media. While alternative phrases like "they were delightful" or "they were captivating" exist, "they were charming" offers a balance of formality and approachability, suitable for various writing styles. Be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation when using it sarcastically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they had charm

Focuses on the possession of charm rather than describing the feeling they inspire.

they possessed charm

Emphasizes the inherent quality of charm they held.

they were delightful

Replaces "charming" with a synonym indicating great pleasure and appeal.

they were captivating

Suggests they held attention and fascination.

they were enchanting

Implies they had a magical or irresistible quality.

they were magnetic

Highlights their ability to attract and draw people in.

they were appealing

Indicates they were attractive or pleasing.

they were winsome

Suggests they were attractive or appealing in appearance or character.

they were pleasurable

Describes them as enjoyable or pleasing to experience.

they had great appeal

Highlights the attractiveness they had towards others.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were charming" to describe a group of people who possess qualities that are delightful and appealing. For example: "At the party, they were charming, effortlessly engaging everyone in conversation."

What are some alternatives to "they were charming"?

Alternatives include "they were delightful", "they were captivating", or "they were enchanting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "they were charming" formal or informal?

"They were charming" is generally considered a neutral expression that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The suitability depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of your writing.

What does it mean when someone says "they were charming"?

When someone says "they were charming", it means they found the people in question to be pleasing, agreeable, and capable of creating a positive impression. The term suggests a blend of attractiveness, politeness, and engaging personality.