they were cool

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were cool" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is impressive, admirable, or stylish in a casual context. Example: "The band played an amazing set last night; they were cool and had the crowd dancing all evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"They were cool," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Oh, but they were cool.

Independent

Some said they were cool with it.

The New York Times

They were cool then, techy and moody.

The Guardian - Music

"Nah, they were cool," he says.

The Guardian - Music

But in the locker room before the show, they were cool.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

They were cooling back home.

The New York Times

They're cool".

The New York Times

Now they're cool.

The Guardian

(They're cool again).

The Guardian - Opinion

They're cool people.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were cool" to describe something that is fashionable, impressive, or generally well-received. It's appropriate for informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "they were cool" in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more professional alternatives like "they were impressive" or "they were remarkable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were cool" functions primarily as a descriptive statement. Ludwig AI confirms its role in expressing admiration, approval, or describing something as stylish and impressive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were cool" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey admiration, approval, or describe something as stylish. As validated by Ludwig AI, it's best suited for informal to neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. While its casual tone makes it inappropriate for formal writing, alternatives such as "they were impressive" or "they were remarkable" can be used instead. The frequency of the phrase, along with the authoritative sources in which it appears, confirms its widespread acceptance in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were impressive

Replaces "cool" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing admiration.

they were awesome

Offers a more enthusiastic and informal alternative to "cool".

they were stylish

Focuses specifically on their fashionable or trendy qualities.

they were amazing

Highlights the exceptional or remarkable nature of what is being described.

they were admirable

Emphasizes the praiseworthy qualities or characteristics they possessed.

they were remarkable

Emphasizes that they were worthy of attention or notice due to being special or unusual.

they were trendy

Focuses specifically on their up-to-date nature when referring to fashion or social influence.

they were hip

An older slang term synonymous with 'cool,' suggesting trendiness and awareness.

they were neat

Uses a more understated way to express approval or satisfaction.

they were rad

An informal slang term, conveys enthusiasm and approval; dated but still understood.

FAQs

What does "they were cool" mean?

The phrase "they were cool" is used to express that someone or something was impressive, fashionable, or generally well-regarded. It implies a sense of approval or admiration.

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

You can use alternatives like "they were awesome", "they were impressive", or "they were stylish", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "they were cool" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "they were cool" is generally considered informal and is not suitable for formal writing. Use more professional alternatives in academic or business contexts.

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

You can use "they were cool" to describe people, objects, or experiences. For example: "The musicians at the concert were cool." or "The vintage cars at the show, they were cool!"