they were exceptionally good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were exceptionally good" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that performed very well or exceeded expectations. Example: "The performers at the concert were so talented; they were exceptionally good, leaving the audience in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I think those writers won prizes because they were exceptionally good writers.

The New Yorker

"If they were exceptionally good and exceptionally sympathetic, that could work to your advantage".

The New York Times

"They were exceptionally good years, but they are not coming back".

The New York Times

"To test this, we took pairs of bad matches . . . and told them they were exceptionally good for each other," Rudder wrote.

The New Yorker

Perrot mechanically operated four-wheel brakes were fitted from 1922 onwards, when the Aston Martin became the first British sports car to be marketed with front wheel brakes; they were exceptionally good for their day.

The Guardian - Business

Managers are often promoted to their position because they were exceptionally good at problem solving.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

And she's right, of course – Howker has written relatively few books, but they're exceptionally good.

The Guardian

At the movies' core, of course, is familiarity: they're exceptionally good reimaginings of nineteen-thirties sci-fi serials like "Flash Gordon".

The New Yorker

They are exceptionally good conductors of heat and electricity, properties that have made graphene one of the most exciting new materials for producing electronic components, from flexible touchscreens to pollution sensors.

The Guardian

At the movies' core, of course, is familiarity: they're exceptionally good reimaginings of nineteen-thirties sci-fi serials like "Flash Gordon". As a child, Lucas was addicted to those shows; even in college, the world of military-space fantasy was so alive in his imagination that, according to one roommate, he preferred to "stay in his room and draw star troopers" instead of going out.

The New Yorker

"They are exceptionally good at predicting trends".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were exceptionally good" to positively highlight a group's performance, skills, or qualities, especially when exceeding expectations or standards. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "they were exceptionally good" repeatedly within a short span. Vary your language with synonyms like "they excelled" or "they shone brightly" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were exceptionally good" functions as an adjective phrase, serving to positively describe a group's attributes or performance. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is perfectly acceptable and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

12%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were exceptionally good" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for expressing admiration and highlighting superior performance or qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, and various alternative phrases, like "they excelled" or "they were remarkably skilled", can be used for variety. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication. Its proper usage involves positively emphasizing a group's abilities, but overuse should be avoided to prevent monotony.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were extraordinarily talented

Highlights exceptional talent.

they excelled

Focuses on superior performance.

they were extraordinarily capable

Highlights great ability and competence.

they were remarkably skilled

Emphasizes the high level of skill demonstrated.

they demonstrated excellence

Focuses on the demonstration of high quality.

they performed admirably

Highlights the praiseworthy nature of their performance.

they showed exceptional aptitude

Highlights a natural talent or ability.

they were impressively proficient

Focuses on their high level of competence.

they were highly competent

Emphasizes competence and skill.

they shone brightly

Uses figurative language to describe outstanding performance.

FAQs

What does "they were exceptionally good" mean?

The phrase "they were exceptionally good" means that a group or multiple entities performed at a level exceeding normal expectations; it implies a high degree of skill, talent, or quality.

What can I say instead of "they were exceptionally good"?

You can use alternatives like "they excelled", "they were remarkably skilled", or "they were extraordinarily talented" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they was exceptionally good"?

No, it is incorrect. The correct phrasing is "they were exceptionally good". "They" is a plural pronoun and requires the plural verb "were".

How can I use "they were exceptionally good" in a sentence?

You can use "they were exceptionally good" to describe the performance, skills, or qualities of a group. For instance, "The musicians' performance was outstanding; they were exceptionally good."