they were exciting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were exciting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that caused excitement or was thrilling in nature. Example: "The roller coaster ride was intense, and they were exciting for everyone who dared to try it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

They were exciting.

The New York Times - Arts

They were exciting times.

The Guardian

They were exciting and a lot of fun to work on.

Columbia University

Rather, they were exciting and radical thinkers who exploded the conventions of their society.

The Guardian - Books

They were exciting times that bubbled over with energy for all those involved.

The New York Times

The games with the Yankees, even though we lost them, they were exciting games".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

They're really where the excitement is in research and they're exciting to be around," says Smith.

Science Magazine

And they're exciting it one photon no two photon with a variety of excitation colors.

Cornell University

They're exciting players.

The Guardian - Sport

They're exciting to me".

The New York Times

They are exciting, certainly.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were exciting" to describe experiences, events, or times that evoked a sense of thrill, enthusiasm, or exhilaration. Ensure the context clearly identifies what "they" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "they were exciting" without a clear antecedent for "they". Ensure your reader knows exactly what you're referring to in order to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were exciting" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing the quality of being exciting to a previously mentioned subject. Ludwig AI shows that it is mainly used to describe experiences, events or times.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were exciting" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that evoked feelings of enthusiasm, thrill, or enjoyment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, although the specific nuance might require adjustments depending on the formality of the situation. Remember to ensure clarity in your writing by always providing a clear reference for "they". Key alternatives include "it was thrilling" and "exhilarating times", offering nuanced ways to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a thrilling experience

Focuses on the thrilling nature of the experience.

those were exhilarating times

Emphasizes the exhilarating aspect of the times.

they were captivating events

Highlights the captivating quality of the events.

it was an unforgettable occasion

Stresses the memorability of the occasion.

those moments were truly remarkable

Underscores the remarkable nature of the moments.

the atmosphere was electric

Describes the atmosphere using a vivid metaphor.

it was a time of great enthusiasm

Focuses on the enthusiasm experienced during that time.

they were incredibly stimulating

Highlights the stimulating quality of the subject.

it was full of adventure

Focuses on the adventurous aspect.

those days were truly lively

Emphasizes the lively and energetic nature of those days.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "they were exciting"?

Saying "they were exciting" means that the things being referred to caused a feeling of enthusiasm, thrill, or exhilaration. It indicates that those things were stimulating and engaging.

What are some alternatives to "they were exciting"?

You can use alternatives like "it was thrilling", "exhilarating times", or "captivating events" depending on the specific context.

How can I make sure my use of "they were exciting" is clear?

Ensure that the antecedent for "they" is clear to your audience. Make sure it's obvious what you're referring to, whether it's games, times, or events.

Is "they were exciting" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "they were exciting" is generally appropriate for both formal and informal writing, although the specific context and audience should always be considered. In more formal settings, consider using synonyms like "stimulating" or "remarkable" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.