they were hot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were hot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is physically attractive or appealing, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "At the party, I noticed that they were hot, drawing everyone's attention with their charisma and style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

They were hot.

The New York Times

They were hot guys in town.

The New York Times

But they were hot without flash.

The New York Times - Sports

On one night, they were hot and stale.

The New York Times

"They're from two years ago when they were hot".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They were hot, juicy and the size of tennis balls.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

When I was a little bit older I was able to climb aboard their tour bus while they were hot-boxing [smoking joints with the windows rolled up].

Independent

They were hotter.

The New Yorker

In contrast, such changes in the density and the pore structure were not observed for commercial KOH-activated carbons when they were hot-pressed under the same conditions.

Carbon

Thanks St JExhibits Laneway ithisbeen a blast.

Vice

Last time we heard from the band they were hot-tubbing in Upstate New York, this week they eat backyard barbeque and get tattooed.  .

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were hot" to describe physical attractiveness, be mindful of the context and audience to avoid potential misunderstandings or offense. In professional or formal settings, consider more neutral alternatives like "they were popular".

Common error

Avoid using "they were hot" in formal or academic writing when you intend to convey popularity or success. The informal connotation may be misconstrued. Use alternatives like "they were successful" or "they were in demand" for greater clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were hot" functions primarily as a descriptive expression. It serves to characterize a subject (the 'they') as being popular, attractive, or successful at a particular point in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English. The specific meaning varies depending on the context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were hot" is a versatile expression primarily used to describe something that was popular, attractive, or successful at a particular time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly in news and media. While generally informal, its precise meaning depends on context, ranging from physical attractiveness to widespread popularity. When writing, it's crucial to consider the setting and audience to avoid misinterpretations, especially in formal contexts where alternatives like "they were popular" or "they were in demand" might be more appropriate. In summary, "they were hot" is a common phrase but requires careful contextual awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were popular

Replaces "hot" with a more general term indicating widespread appeal.

they were in demand

Focuses on the high level of requests or interest they received.

they were trending

Highlights their current popularity or relevance, especially online.

they were all the rage

Indicates a current fad or fashion that everyone is excited about.

they were fashionable

Focuses specifically on their alignment with current style trends.

they were desirable

Emphasizes the attractiveness and appeal that made people want them.

they were successful

Shifts the focus to achievement and positive outcomes.

they were thriving

Highlights their flourishing and robust condition or performance.

they were doing well

A more general way of saying that they were experiencing positive results.

they were flourishing

Indicates a state of growth and prosperity.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were hot" to describe something that was very popular or attractive at a particular time. For example, "Those sneakers were hot back in the 90s" or "They were hot contenders for the championship".

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

Alternatives include "they were popular", "they were in demand", or "they were trending", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "they were hot" in formal writing?

Using "they were hot" in formal writing can be inappropriate, particularly when referring to something other than temperature. It's best to choose more formal alternatives like "they were successful" or "they were desirable" in those contexts.

What's the difference between "they were hot" and "they were popular"?

"They were hot" suggests something was very trendy or fashionable for a limited time, whereas "they were popular" implies a broader and possibly longer-lasting appeal.