they were desirable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were desirable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone that is considered attractive, appealing, or sought after in a particular context. Example: "In the competitive job market, candidates with advanced degrees were desirable to employers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

They were desirable, for they weakened the capitalist camp.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They concluded that tough conditions do deter potential criminals, though they cautioned that this did not necessarily mean they were desirable, since even criminals have rights.Keith Chen of Yale and Jesse Shapiro of the University of Chicago approached the problem another way.

The Economist

Although Chile's companies may have borrowed less from foreign banks, other short-term flows have increased, so total short-term capital inflows have not been reduced.Don't run before you can walkChile's experience suggests that even if they were desirable in theory, capital controls may be difficult to enforce in practice.

The Economist

Despite the in-equivalency of these credentials, immigrants dedicated many years in acquiring them and would have likely got the impression they were desirable as education is heavily weighted in the point system and a key reason for their admittance.

IZA Journal of Development and Migration

He was known to buy property in hard hit Florida housing markets, noting on CNBC, "A lot of the areas that got hit hard during the housing downturn are some of the first areas to come back out of it because they were desirable then and they're desirable now".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

His answers to those concerns, though, are mostly undesirable, and unaffordable even when they are desirable.

The Guardian

But even when they are desirable, such usurpations are not necessarily feasible.

The Economist

Labour can deliver these changes anyway if they are desirable in their own right.

The Economist

Just because the mergers seem inevitable, however, does not mean they are desirable.

The New York Times

But he says the FIDO Alliance and similar efforts to reduce passwords' primacy are as inevitable as they are desirable.

The Economist

They are the only tools available when the next recession comes, and I would submit that they are desirable right now.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were desirable", ensure the context clearly establishes who or what 'they' refers to. Clarity is crucial to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they were desirable" excessively in formal or academic writing. More precise language may be necessary depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were desirable" typically functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating that certain entities possessed qualities that made them attractive, appealing, or sought after at a specific point in the past. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were desirable" serves to describe past attractiveness or appeal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and fit for use in written English. Its usage, while not widespread, is found across news, scientific publications, and encyclopedic sources. Alternatives such as "they held appeal" or "they were sought after" can provide similar nuance. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in referencing 'they' to avoid any ambiguity. While correct, avoid overusing "they were desirable" in formal academic writing, where more precise terminology could be necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they held appeal

Replaces 'desirable' with 'held appeal', focusing on the attractiveness of something.

they were sought after

Emphasizes that something was in demand or highly requested.

they were in vogue

Highlights that something was fashionable or trendy at a particular time.

they were attractive

Focuses on the visual or aesthetic appeal.

they were coveted

Stresses the idea that something was highly desired, often with a sense of envy.

they were preferable

Indicates that something was favored over other options.

they were advantageous

Highlights the beneficial or favorable qualities of something.

they were worthwhile

Indicates that something was valuable and worth the effort.

they were inviting

Focuses on the welcoming or appealing nature of something.

they were tempting

Highlights the allure or seductiveness of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were desirable" to describe something or someone that was considered attractive, appealing, or sought after. For instance, "In the past, candidates with advanced degrees "were desirable" to employers".

What are some alternatives to "they were desirable"?

Alternatives include "they were attractive", "they were sought after", or "they held appeal" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "they were desirable" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "they were desirable" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more precise or sophisticated language if necessary.

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

"They are desirable" indicates a current state of being appealing or sought after, whereas "they were desirable" indicates that this state existed in the past.