they were kind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were kind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's behavior or attitude towards others, indicating that they acted with kindness. Example: "During the difficult times, they were kind and offered their support to everyone in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were kind of shellshocked".

The New York Times - Sports

They were kind.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They were kind eyes".

The New York Times

"They were kind of despondent.

The New York Times - Arts

"They were kind of quirky, he said.

The New York Times

They were kind of parked".

The Guardian

They were kind of soft".

The New York Times

"They were kind of tributes.

The Guardian

They were kind, lovely people.

The Guardian - Arts

They were kind of dirty looking pebbles.

The New Yorker

They were kind of dragging me along.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's character, use "they were kind" to convey their positive and considerate nature. This phrase effectively communicates their gentle and empathetic behavior towards others.

Common error

Avoid using "they were kind" in situations where a more specific descriptor is needed. For instance, instead of simply saying "they were kind" in a business negotiation, specify "they were fair and understanding" to provide a clearer picture of their behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were kind" functions as a descriptive statement. It attributes the quality of kindness to a group of people. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

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, "they were kind" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to positively describe a group of people. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. If you seek alternative expressions, consider options like "they showed kindness" or "they were compassionate" to add nuance. Be mindful to use specific descriptors when more detail is required to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they showed kindness

Focuses on the action of demonstrating kindness, rather than just possessing the quality.

they acted kindly

Emphasizes the manner in which they behaved, highlighting their gentle and considerate actions.

they were considerate

Focuses on their attentiveness to the needs and feelings of others.

they were good-hearted

Indicates an inherent kindness and warmth in their nature.

they possessed compassion

Highlights the deep empathy and understanding they felt towards others.

they displayed empathy

Highlights their ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

they were sympathetic

Highlights their understanding and compassion towards someone who is suffering.

they were benevolent

Implies a more formal and generous form of kindness, often associated with charitable acts.

they were humane

Suggests compassion and concern for others, especially in difficult or challenging situations.

they were gracious

Suggests politeness and elegance in their kindness, particularly in social situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were kind" to describe someone's behavior. For example, "Despite the challenges, "they were kind" and helpful to everyone".

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

You can use alternatives like "they were compassionate", "they were considerate", or "they were benevolent" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "they were kind"?

Yes, "they were kind" is grammatically correct. "They" is a plural pronoun, "were" is the past tense of the verb "to be", and "kind" is an adjective describing their nature.

What is the difference between "they were kind" and "they were being kind"?

"They were kind" describes a general state of being, while "they were being kind" describes a specific action or behavior at a particular time. The latter implies a temporary act of kindness.