they were efficacious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were efficacious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was effective or successful in producing a desired result. Example: "The new training methods were efficacious in improving employee performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

(19− 21) During experiments to gauge the broad-spectrum capability of this series, it was noted that they were efficacious for E. faecalis, including for cases in which a vancomycin resistance (vanB) cassette was present.

Biochemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

While they are efficacious for psychotic symptoms, their efficacy is limited for negative symptoms and cognitive deficits which underlie the substantive disability in this illness.

Progress in Neurobiology

They have proven their safety and efficacy in the target bovine species since they are efficacious at reducing disease severity, virus shedding, and circulation in a population [ 4, 5].

BMC Veterinary Research

"How could you say they are efficacious?

The New York Times

Non-pharmacological pain management alternatives may also be considered; however, current data have not proven that they are efficacious [15].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

So it follows that only God can act on the soul and, insofar as they are efficacious, ideas must be the very substance of God.

SEP

Sorafenib (Nexavar®; Bayer Healthcare, West Haven, CT, USA) and sunitinib (Sutent®; Pfizer Inc, New York, NY, USA) are candidates for adjuvant therapy, because they are efficacious in the treatment of metastatic RCC and have side-effect profiles that can usually be well managed during long-term administration.

European Urology Supplements

"The whole playing field changes because once there's a way to diagnose CTE before death, we can start to evaluate different treatments to see if they're efficacious," she said.

Huffington Post

When questioning why we have already 20 30% of biopharmaceuticals a simple answer is: they are efficacious, potent and safe.

Biotechnology journal

Although adherence aids are in common use among adults with diabetes, there is little evidence that they are efficacious.

BMC Family Practice

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors are good candidates for early use as they are efficacious in combination with metformin, show weight neutrality and a low risk of hypoglycaemia.

Diabetic Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were efficacious", ensure that the context clearly defines what "they" refers to and what the specific benefits or positive outcomes were. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "they were efficacious" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "they worked well" or "they were effective" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

They were efficacious functions as a descriptive phrase, attributing a quality of effectiveness to a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and correct. The examples showcase its application in scientific and medical contexts, highlighting the successful impact of certain treatments or interventions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

80%

News & Media

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were efficacious" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, primarily employed in formal and scientific contexts to denote effectiveness. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase describes that something was effective or successful in producing a desired result. While alternatives like "they were effective" or "they were successful" exist, "they were efficacious" carries a more precise and technical connotation. Due to its formal nature, it's best suited for academic, scientific, or professional writing and should be used judiciously in more casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they proved effective

Replaces "efficacious" with "effective", a more commonly used synonym, maintaining the same meaning.

they were successful

Substitutes "efficacious" with "successful", indicating a positive outcome or achievement of goals.

they demonstrated efficacy

Transforms the adjective "efficacious" into the noun "efficacy", altering the grammatical structure slightly.

they had the desired effect

Emphasizes the achievement of a specific, intended result.

they worked well

Offers a simpler, more informal way to express effectiveness.

they were potent

Replaces efficacious with potent; emphasizing their effectiveness and powerful nature.

they were beneficial

Highlights the positive and helpful impact of the subject.

they achieved results

Focuses on the attainment of tangible outcomes.

they delivered the goods

An idiomatic expression meaning they fulfilled expectations or provided what was needed.

they were advantageous

Suggests that they provided a benefit or advantage.

FAQs

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

Use "they were efficacious" to describe something that was effective or successful in producing a desired result. For example: "The new treatments "were efficacious" in reducing symptoms".

What are some alternatives to saying "they were efficacious"?

You can use alternatives such as "they were effective", "they were successful", or "they demonstrated efficacy" depending on the context.

Is "they were efficacious" formal or informal?

"They were efficacious" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "they worked well" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "they were efficacious" and "they were effective"?

While both phrases indicate success, "they were efficacious" often suggests a higher degree of effectiveness or a more specific, measurable impact. "They were effective" is a more general term, while "they were efficacious" implies a proven ability to produce the desired result.