they were fun

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were fun" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a group of people, activities, or experiences that were enjoyable or entertaining. Example: "The games we played at the party were fun, and everyone had a great time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"They were fun".

The New York Times - Sports

Golly, they were fun.

The New York Times - Arts

But they were fun.

The Guardian

"They were fun," she said.

The New Yorker

"Balalaikas, bears — they were fun.

The New York Times

But God, they were fun.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were bad, but they were fun.

The New York Times

"They were fun, actually," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"They were fun-loving, career-focused children.

The New York Times

Film industry folk and best friends, they were fun-loving, energetic, goofy and proud of their city.

Huffington Post

But they're fun.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were fun", ensure that the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a specific subject. Ambiguity can confuse your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "they were fun" without a clear antecedent for "they". Ensure your audience knows exactly what you're referring to to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were fun" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, describing the quality or characteristic of a subject (represented by the pronoun "they"). Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were fun" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe something as enjoyable or amusing. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it functions as a predicate adjective, typically used to express satisfaction or amusement. While appropriate for neutral contexts like news and media, it may be less suitable for highly formal or technical writing. Ludwig AI shows its frequent presence across many sources, affirming its common usage. Related alternatives include "they were enjoyable" and "they were a blast", offering nuanced variations in tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were amusing

Indicates that something causes laughter or provides entertainment.

they were a blast

An informal expression indicating a highly enjoyable and exciting experience.

they pleased us greatly

Indicates a high degree of satisfaction and enjoyment.

they proved enjoyable

Emphasizes the experience of deriving pleasure from something.

they made for a good time

Describes something as conducive to a positive and pleasant experience.

they turned out delightful

Highlights the unexpected or surprising nature of the enjoyment.

they were quite pleasant

Indicates a mild and agreeable form of enjoyment.

they offered amusement

Focuses on the capacity of something to entertain or provide lighthearted pleasure.

they provided enjoyment

Focuses on the act of giving or supplying pleasure.

they were a source of entertainment

Highlights the function of something as a provider of amusement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they were fun" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "they were enjoyable", "they were delightful", or "they were pleasant", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's a more casual way to say "they were fun"?

If you're aiming for a more casual tone, you could say "they were a blast" or "they were a good time".

Is it grammatically correct to say "they was fun"?

No, "they was fun" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "they were fun", as "were" is the plural past tense form of the verb "to be" and must agree with the plural pronoun "they".

Can "they were fun" be used to describe people?

Yes, "they were fun" can be used to describe people, implying that they were enjoyable or amusing to be around. For example, "The kids at the party were so energetic; "they were fun" to watch".