they were handsome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were handsome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the physical attractiveness of a group of people, typically males, in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "The actors in the film were not only talented, but they were handsome, capturing the attention of the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

They were "handsome, brilliant," she said softly.

The New Yorker

They were handsome trees with straight trunks about three inches across and nicely shaped tops.

The New York Times

They were enough like my father when I was a kid to feel reassured by them (Ramis); they were enough like me that I wanted them to be my friends (Murray); and they were handsome enough that I wanted to do things to them I was only starting to understand (Aykroyd, obviously).

The Guardian - Film

They were handsome boys who were sweet to me, but very tough street kids.

Vice

They were handsome, lean and mannish-looking -- yet something suggestive of the little boy he had once been lingered there.

Huffington Post

He recently told Photo District News, "In my America, people were all different, they were handsome, and everything around them was beautiful.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

At any rate, they're handsome.

The New Yorker

Yet they are handsome stage presences.

The New York Times

They are handsome, well built, and clean-cut.

The New Yorker

They are handsome, pensive and cool with a muted theatricality.

The New York Times

They're handsome, like the geometric work of Josef Albers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when choosing "they were handsome". In contemporary usage, "handsome" is usually reserved for men, while "beautiful" or "attractive" may be more appropriate for women.

Common error

Avoid using "they were handsome" to describe inanimate objects or abstract concepts, as "handsome" typically refers to human or animal appearance. Instead, use adjectives like "elegant", "well-crafted", or "impressive".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were handsome" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. It attributes the quality of being physically attractive to a group of people. Ludwig confirms this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were handsome" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the attractive appearance of a group of people, typically men. Ludwig confirms the correctness of the phrase. It functions as a descriptive statement, often used to convey appreciation or admiration. While slightly more formal than alternatives like "they were good-looking", it maintains a neutral register suitable for general audiences, particularly in news and media contexts. Be mindful to clarify who "they" refers to and consider the appropriateness of "handsome" versus alternatives like "beautiful" depending on the individuals being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were attractive

Replaces "handsome" with a more general term for physical appeal.

they were good-looking

Uses a common alternative to "handsome", implying a pleasing appearance.

they were beautiful

Emphasizes a higher degree of attractiveness, although traditionally used for women, it can be contextually appropriate.

they were striking

Highlights an impressive and memorable appearance, focusing on impact.

they were comely

Offers a more old-fashioned and gentle way to describe attractiveness.

they were fair to look upon

Presents a more literary or archaic phrasing for describing attractiveness.

they had an appealing look

Shifts focus from inherent handsomeness to the effect of their appearance.

they possessed a fine appearance

Emphasizes the overall quality and impression of their physical presentation.

they were prepossessing

Suggests that they made a favorable impression due to their appearance.

they were sightly

Describes a visually pleasing quality, though it is less common.

FAQs

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

Use "they were handsome" to describe a group of individuals, typically men, who possess attractive physical features. For example, "The actors in the play, they were handsome and talented".

What can I say instead of "they were handsome"?

You can use alternatives like "they were attractive", "they were good-looking", or "they were striking" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "handsome" to describe women?

While traditionally "handsome" is used to describe men, it is less common for women. Alternatives like "beautiful", "attractive", or even "striking" might be more suitable for describing women.

What is the difference between "they were handsome" and "they were beautiful"?

"They were handsome" is generally used to describe men, emphasizing strong and pleasing features. "They were beautiful" can be used for both men and women, highlighting a more refined or delicate attractiveness. Context matters when choosing the more appropriate term.