they were jealous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were jealous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of envy or resentment that someone has towards another person or situation. Example: "When she received the promotion, her colleagues were jealous of her success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

They were jealous".

The New Yorker

I think they were jealous".

The Guardian - Music

They were jealous, they were.

The New Yorker

She said they were jealous or insecure.

The New York Times - Sports

They were jealous, fighting all the time.

The New York Times

"I think they were jealous of her".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

And they're jealous".

The New Yorker

"They're jealous".

Independent

Sometimes they're jealous.

The Guardian

Maybe they are jealous.

The New York Times

They're jealous of Justin Timberlake.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "they were jealous", ensure the context clearly identifies who "they" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "they were jealous" when "envy" is the more appropriate emotion. Jealousy implies a fear of losing something one already has, whereas envy is the desire for something someone else possesses. Use the correct emotion to describe it to avoid vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were jealous" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing the emotion of jealousy to a group of individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, the structure is grammatically correct, commonly used to express envy or resentment. The examples from Ludwig showcase its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were jealous" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that a group of people felt envy or resentment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it conveys feelings of envy stemming from another's success or advantages. For more formal contexts, phrases like "they felt envious" or "they expressed resentment" might be preferable. Common errors involve confusing jealousy with envy, highlighting the importance of using precise language. Ultimately, understanding the nuance and context ensures effective communication when describing this complex emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they felt envy

Replaces "jealous" with a direct synonym, focusing on the feeling of envy.

they envied them

Rephrases the sentence to use "envied" as a verb, maintaining a similar meaning.

they were filled with jealousy

Replaces "jealous" with a noun phrase to describe the feeling.

they were envious of them

Uses the adjective "envious" to describe their state.

they felt resentful

Shifts the focus to the resentment felt due to another's advantages.

they begrudged their success

Emphasizes the negative feeling towards someone else's success.

they were green with envy

Uses an idiomatic expression to highlight the intensity of their jealousy.

they were consumed by envy

Highlights the overpowering nature of the jealousy.

they coveted what they had

Focuses on the desire for what someone else possesses.

they looked on with envy

Focuses on the act of observing with envious feelings.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they were jealous" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "they felt envious" or "they expressed resentment" which convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is there a difference between "they were jealous" and "they were envious"?

While often used interchangeably, "jealous" technically implies a fear of losing something you have, whereas "envious" describes wanting something someone else possesses. In many modern contexts, the distinction is subtle, but understanding the nuance can refine your writing.

What's a more vivid way to express "they were jealous"?

For a more expressive alternative, consider using an idiom like "they were green with envy", which emphasizes the intensity of the emotion.

Can "they were jealous" be used in all contexts?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the specific nuance you wish to convey. In some situations, a more precise term like "they were resentful" or "they coveted their achievements" might be more appropriate.