they were huge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were huge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is significantly large in size or scale, often in a comparative context. Example: "The elephants at the zoo were huge, towering over the other animals in their enclosure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When Saul was just 22, he started a company called Leasco, which leased out computers in the days when they were huge and hugely expensive.

The New York Times

They were huge granite boulders.

The New Yorker

They were huge.

The New York Times - Books

They were huge and for everyone".

The New York Times

They were huge and dirty-looking.

The New Yorker

For a brief time, they were huge.

The Washington Post

"They were huge plays for us".

The New York Times - Sports

"They were huge, especially ending innings," Sabathia said.

The New York Times - Sports

They were huge, and stood at the very top".

Independent

They were huge steaks, and oddly memorable in that way.

The New York Times - Food

They were huge contributors to growth in past decades.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were huge" to describe something of significant size or impact, but consider the context to ensure it's the most precise word choice. Overusing it can diminish its impact, so vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "massive", "enormous", or "gigantic" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "they were huge" too frequently in informal writing, as it can sound repetitive. Replace it with more descriptive alternatives like "they were enormous", "they were gigantic", or even more figurative language depending on the desired effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were huge" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing the quality of being very large to a previously mentioned subject. Ludwig examples show this phrase used to describe physical objects, abstract concepts like plays in a game, and even the popularity of musical groups.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were huge" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something of considerable size, scale, or impact, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communication scenarios. While versatile, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "enormous" or "massive" can enhance your writing. Ludwig examples highlight its widespread application in describing physical objects, abstract concepts, and even popularity, underscoring its adaptability in conveying magnitude.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were enormous

Replaces "huge" with a synonym emphasizing great size.

they were massive

Substitutes "huge" with another synonym indicating great size and scale.

they were gigantic

Replaces "huge" with a more exaggerated term for size.

they were immense

Uses a synonym of "huge" to convey great size and extent.

they were colossal

Emphasizes the immense size and impressiveness.

they were substantial

Indicates a significant size or amount, changing the focus slightly from pure size.

they were significant

Shifts the emphasis to importance and impact rather than just size.

they were tremendous

Highlights the great scale or impact, using a more general term of impressiveness.

they were of great magnitude

Uses a more formal expression to describe their hugeness.

they were notably large

Replaces "huge" with a more descriptive term for size.

FAQs

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

"They were huge" is used to describe something of considerable size, scale, or impact. For example: "The steaks my dad gets are always great, "they were huge steaks", and oddly memorable in that way."

What are some alternatives to "they were huge"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "they were enormous", "they were massive", "they were gigantic", or "they were immense".

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

Yes, but consider the tone and audience. While grammatically correct, alternatives with more formal language may be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying, "they were huge contributors to growth in past decades", you could say, "they were significant contributors to growth in past decades".

In what contexts is "they were huge" commonly used?

"They were huge" is often used in news, media, and everyday conversation to describe something physically large, successful, or impactful. The phrase appears across many contexts, from describing steaks to the popularity of bands.