they were intensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were intensive" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to describe something that is characterized by intensity, but it lacks clarity and proper context. Example: "The training sessions they attended were intensive, requiring a significant commitment of time and effort."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They were intensive farmers, growing their staple foods corn (maize), sweet potatoes, and manioc in irrigated fields.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

One thing all successful last-mile programs have in common is that they're intensive.

TechCrunch

Tinsley says that short courses can be especially useful because they tend to be intensive.

Independent

The research suggests that early-intervention programs, in order to be effective, have to be intensive, and they work best if they involve parents as well as children.

The New Yorker

Others are notable because they were labor-intensive.

The New York Times

They were either labor intensive, capital intensive or vulnerable to the cost and supply of a key commodity.

Forbes

But they are energy-intensive and cost-intensive [ 36].

Biotechnology for Biofuels

Although some of these methods provide highly accurate real-time estimates on travel speeds and times, they typically require installation of physical equipment (e.g. magnetic loop detectors) which makes them resource-intensive, or they are labor-intensive (surveys).

EPJ Data Science

"This is intensive preparation".

The New York Times

Cultivation is intensive.

Wikipedia

They were much more intensive endeavors than universal preschool.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "they were intensive". It's grammatically incorrect and unclear. Instead, choose a more precise adjective that accurately reflects the intended meaning, such as "rigorous", "demanding", or "thorough".

Common error

Avoid using "intensive" to describe the subject "they" directly. "Intensive" typically modifies activities, processes, or treatments, not people or groups. For instance, say "they underwent intensive training" instead of "they were intensive".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were intensive" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The adjective "intensive" typically modifies nouns referring to processes, methods, or treatments, rather than directly describing people or entities. As Ludwig AI says, it is better to use words like "diligent" or "focused" instead.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were intensive" is generally considered grammatically incorrect, as Ludwig AI also points out. It's rare and not recommended for formal writing. Although some examples exist in diverse sources like News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, it is safer to opt for more accurate and grammatically sound alternatives like "they were diligent", "they were focused", or "they underwent intensive training", depending on the intended meaning. Remember that "intensive" should typically modify actions, processes, or treatments, and NOT people or groups of people directly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were rigorous

Focuses on the strictness and thoroughness of their actions or qualities.

they were thorough

Emphasizes their completeness and attention to detail.

they were diligent

Highlights their persistent and careful effort.

they were dedicated

Stresses their commitment and devotion to a cause or activity.

they were focused

Indicates a strong concentration and lack of distraction.

they were strenuous

Highlights the demanding and exhausting nature of their efforts.

they were zealous

Emphasizes their enthusiastic and passionate approach.

they were energetic

Highlights their vigor and active involvement.

they were ardent

Emphasizes their passionate and fervent nature.

they were industrious

Highlights their hard-working and productive nature.

FAQs

Is "they were intensive" grammatically correct?

No, "they were intensive" is not grammatically correct in standard English. The adjective "intensive" typically describes processes, training, or care, not people directly. It's better to say "they underwent intensive training" or use a different adjective that describes their qualities, such as diligent or focused.

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "they were rigorous", "they were diligent", or "they were dedicated". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

How to use "intensive" correctly in a sentence?

Use "intensive" to describe something that requires or involves a lot of effort, activity, or energy. For example, "They received intensive care" or "The training was intensive".

What is the difference between "they were intensive" and "they were focused"?

"They were intensive" is not standard English, while "they were focused" is grammatically correct. "They were focused" means they concentrated their attention or efforts.