they were delicious

USAGE SUMMARY

'they were delicious' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a variety of contexts. For example, after a dinner out with friends, you could write in a thank-you note: "I had a wonderful time last night. The food was delicious - they were delicious!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Yes, they were delicious.

The New Yorker

"They were delicious".

The New York Times

I thought they were delicious.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They were delicious calories, mind.

The Guardian - Travel

My answer is yes, they were delicious.

The New York Times

I tasted them and they were delicious.

The Guardian - Music

"They were delicious," the girl said, extravagantly.

The New Yorker

Either way, I thought they were delicious.

The New Yorker

We ate them ourselves, and they were delicious.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They were delicious the cheesy goop just on the right side of sickly-rich, the tea mild and smooth.

Vice

It ends: Forgive me/They were delicious/So sweet/And so cold.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were delicious" to directly and enthusiastically convey that something tasted good. It's best used when you want to express immediate and clear enjoyment of food.

Common error

Avoid using "they were delicious" in highly formal or professional writing where a more sophisticated or nuanced description of taste might be expected. Consider alternatives like "they possessed a refined flavor" or "they offered a delightful gustatory experience".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were delicious" functions as a descriptive statement, typically used to express satisfaction or enjoyment of a food item or meal. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were delicious" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express enjoyment of food. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly acceptable for use in writing and speech. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, and while generally neutral in register, it is best to avoid it in highly formal situations where more descriptive language might be appropriate. Consider alternatives such as "they tasted amazing" or "they had a delightful flavor" for variety. The phrase is widely understood and effective for conveying positive feedback regarding a culinary experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they tasted amazing

Replaces "delicious" with "amazing" to express a strong positive sensory experience.

they were incredibly tasty

Substitutes "delicious" with "incredibly tasty" emphasizing the pleasant flavor.

they were delectable

Substitutes "delicious" with the more formal "delectable".

they had a delightful flavor

Uses "delightful flavor" to focus on the pleasing taste experience.

they were exceptionally good

Replaces "delicious" with "exceptionally good" broadening the praise beyond just taste.

they possessed a wonderful taste

Uses "wonderful taste" to describe the positive gustatory quality.

they were scrumptious

Employs "scrumptious", an informal term, to suggest a highly enjoyable eating experience.

they were a culinary delight

Uses "culinary delight" to highlight the artistry and pleasure derived from the food.

they were heavenly

Replaces "delicious" with "heavenly" to express extreme enjoyment.

they were finger-licking good

Incorporates the idiom "finger-licking good" to emphasize the intense satisfaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were delicious" to express your enjoyment of food you have eaten, such as, "I tried the new cookies, and "they were delicious"!"

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

You can use alternatives like "they tasted amazing", "they were incredibly tasty", or "they had a delightful flavor depending on the context".

Is it grammatically correct to say "they were delicious"?

Yes, "they were delicious" is grammatically correct. "They" is a plural pronoun, "were" is the past tense of the verb "to be", and "delicious" is an adjective describing the subject "they".

What is the difference between "they are delicious" and "they were delicious"?

"They are delicious" implies that something is currently delicious, while "they were delicious" indicates that something was delicious in the past.