they were good looking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were good looking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's physical appearance positively, typically in informal contexts. Example: "At the party, I noticed a couple who were good looking and seemed to be having a great time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We were surprised to discover that they were good looking and interesting, if a trifle serious people".

The New York Times

"These often ended up on the covers of journals, so I knew they were good looking, but I did not think of them as art.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But if they're good looking too, I don't think that's a problem".

The New York Times

As such, they're good looking devices.

TechCrunch

Managers who think they're good looking.

Huffington Post

In movies, they're smart, they're professional, they are wise-cracking, they're good looking.

Vice

They're good looking girls and would probably get hassled by enough gross dudes when they go out.

Vice

Looks probably means that you just think they are good looking, not that you actually have emotional love feelings for them.

WikiHow

Take it from John Lennon, if someone is hard to see, they must be good looking.

Vice

"They need to be good looking, have full hair, nice teeth, that sort of thing," explains owner Mona Schulze.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Do they happen to be good looking?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing the phrase; vary your descriptions with more nuanced adjectives that convey specific aspects of attractiveness, such as "charming", "striking", or "alluring".

Common error

Avoid using "they were good looking" as a substitute for more descriptive language. While generally positive, it lacks specificity and can be less impactful than adjectives that highlight unique features or qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were good looking" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a plural subject (they) to indicate that the subjects possessed attractive physical features. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a valid and commonly used expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were good looking" is a grammatically correct and common adjective phrase used to describe the physical attractiveness of a group. Ludwig AI indicates it is generally acceptable, although somewhat informal. While versatile, it lacks specificity and may be less impactful than more descriptive adjectives. Consider context and audience when choosing this phrase. For formal writing or when more detail is needed, alternatives like "they were attractive" or more specific descriptors should be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were attractive

Replaces "good looking" with a more general term for physical appeal.

they were gorgeous

Indicates a very high degree of attractiveness; more emphatic than "good looking".

they were handsome

Specifically for males; implies a classic, refined appeal.

they were beautiful

Specifically for females; suggests a striking and captivating beauty.

they were appealing

Focuses on the pleasantness and attractiveness of their appearance.

they were lovely

Implies a gentle and charming attractiveness.

their looks were pleasing

Focuses on the positive effect of their appearance.

they had an attractive appearance

Formal rephrasing to emphasize appearance.

they possessed visual appeal

More formal and objective way to express attractiveness.

they were fair to look upon

Archaic phrasing suggesting beauty.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "they were attractive", "they were handsome", or "they were beautiful" depending on the context.

Is "they were good looking" formal or informal?

The phrase "they were good looking" is generally considered informal. For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "they possessed visual appeal" or "they had an attractive appearance".

How can I make my description more specific than just saying "they were good looking"?

Instead of just saying "they were good looking", try describing specific features that made them attractive. For example, you could say "they had striking eyes" or "they possessed a charming smile".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "they were good looking"?

It's appropriate to use the phrase "they were good looking" in informal settings when you want to quickly convey that a group of people was physically attractive. However, be mindful of the context and avoid objectifying individuals.