they were mammoth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were mammoth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extremely large or significant, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The challenges they faced were mammoth, requiring immense effort and resources to overcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They were mammoth but if you turned down a random corner then, whallah!—there might be an arts & crafts show.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Kris Jenkins vs. Kevin Mawae They are mammoth men who spend their Sundays mired in pro football's interior.

The New York Times

The hole that Tennessee has created for itself is mammoth and widening, but at least here, they gain a reprieve.

The New York Times - Sports

His CV was mammoth.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Basically, she's mammoth jerky," Mary Meluso explained.

The New Yorker

The investigation has been mammoth.

The New York Times

These efforts can be mammoth.

The New York Times

But is mammoth de-extinction ethical?

The Guardian

Saving room for them may be difficult because appetizers and entrees are mammoth.

The New York Times

There was mammoth, though.

Huffington Post

Second, the study pool is mammoth and long-term.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were mammoth" to describe things that are exceptionally large, impactful, or significant. This phrase adds a touch of emphasis and can make your writing more vivid.

Common error

Avoid using "they were mammoth" in everyday conversations where simpler words like "big" or "large" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your speech sound unnatural or affected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were mammoth" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "mammoth" acts as an adjective. As Ludwig AI describes, the phrase indicates that the subject is exceptionally large or significant, comparable to the size of a mammoth.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

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 mammoth" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to emphasize the exceptional size or significance of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not overly common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, primarily within the News & Media context. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "they were colossal" or "they were gigantic" to convey a similar sense of magnitude. Be mindful of overusing the phrase in casual settings to maintain a natural tone. Overall, "they were mammoth" is a strong choice when you wish to amplify the scale or impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were colossal

Replaces "mammoth" with "colossal", emphasizing the immense size.

they were gigantic

Substitutes "mammoth" with "gigantic", highlighting the extreme size.

they were enormous

Replaces "mammoth" with "enormous", focusing on the great size or extent.

they were immense

Substitutes "mammoth" with "immense", stressing the vastness or hugeness.

they were massive

Replaces "mammoth" with "massive", indicating great size and density.

they were huge

Replaces "mammoth" with "huge", a more common term for great size.

they were substantial

Substitutes "mammoth" with "substantial", focusing on considerable size or importance.

they were considerable

Replaces "mammoth" with "considerable", highlighting the significance or amount.

they were sizable

Replaces "mammoth" with "sizable", referring to a fairly large size.

they were monumental

Substitutes "mammoth" with "monumental", highlighting the impressiveness and historical importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were mammoth" to describe something exceptionally large or significant, like "The challenges "they were mammoth", requiring immense effort."

What phrases are similar to "they were mammoth"?

Similar phrases include "they were gigantic", "they were enormous", or "they were colossal", all suggesting great size or scale.

Is "they were mammoth" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "they were mammoth" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to emphasize the exceptional size or importance of something. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

When should I use "they were mammoth" instead of "they were big"?

"They were mammoth" is more emphatic and evocative than "they were big". Use it when you want to convey a sense of awe or convey that something was significantly larger than expected.