they were monumental

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were monumental" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is significant, impressive, or of great importance, often in a historical or cultural context. Example: "The achievements of the civil rights movement were monumental in shaping modern society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Still, I intuitively sensed that they were monumental in some way, for the great classical works seemed to have an inexplicable and inexorable sweep.

The New York Times - Arts

In the end the bands operating under this system earned very little from their record sales, unless they were monumental stars.

The Guardian - Music

Over the next decade, he created full-figure portraits of people, alone or in couples, that were as intimate as they were monumental and as poetically thrilling as they were visually lucid.

The New York Times - Arts

They were monumental struggles that started before the American Revolution and did not end until after World War I.

Huffington Post

I look back at all these events now and they seem so small and easy, but back then they were monumental breakthroughs taking place during my recovery.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

They are monumental.

The New York Times

They are monumental, even.

The New York Times

"They are monumental in size".

The Guardian

Often, they are monumental places, designed to instill, in future generations, a sense of heritage — heritage that is now unwanted.

The New Yorker

This isn't meant as a slight on the symphonies themselves - of course they are monumental cultural treasures - but more as a criticism of the excessive frequency at which they are programmed.

The Guardian - Music

His achievements in football were monumental, but they can only partially explain his impact upon and relevance to so many lives.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were monumental" when emphasizing the historical importance, large scale, and lasting impact of a subject. This phrase is most effective when referring to events, achievements, or creations that have had a significant influence.

Common error

Avoid using "they were monumental" to describe everyday events or minor achievements. This diminishes the phrase's impact and makes your writing sound hyperbolic. Reserve it for truly significant occasions or accomplishments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were monumental" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a quality of great significance, size, or impact to a subject. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in describing achievements, struggles, and cultural works.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were monumental" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe something of great significance, impact, or scale. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is typically employed in news and media contexts to emphasize the lasting influence of events or achievements. While its usage is relatively rare, it is generally considered appropriate for formal writing and discussions. To ensure effective communication, avoid overusing the phrase in trivial contexts and consider alternatives like "significant" or "remarkable" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were imposing

Highlights the grandeur and impressiveness of something, focusing on the power to inspire awe.

they were tremendous

Implies an extreme degree of greatness or impressiveness, but can lack the historical weight of "monumental".

they were significant

Emphasizes importance or consequence, differing from monumental which highlights scale and impact.

they were extraordinary

Emphasizes being beyond what is ordinary or usual, rather than the imposing scale of something "monumental".

they were remarkable

Focuses on the noteworthiness and unusual quality of something, rather than its grand scale.

they were substantial

Highlights the considerable or solid nature of something, downplaying its striking or impressive nature.

they were considerable

Stresses the degree or extent of something, differing from the focus on impressiveness.

they were striking

Implies a strong visual impact, whereas "monumental" denotes a greater scale and historical importance.

they were outstanding

Highlights exceptional quality or performance, while "monumental" emphasizes scale and lasting impact.

they were noteworthy

Focuses on deserving attention or notice, while "monumental" stresses grandeur.

FAQs

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

Use "they were monumental" to describe something with great and lasting significance. For example: "The changes brought about by the revolution "were monumental"."

What are some alternatives to "they were monumental"?

Alternatives include "they were significant", "they were remarkable", or "they were tremendous", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "they were monumental" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "they were monumental" is generally more suitable for formal or academic writing where you need to emphasize the profound impact or scale of something. Consider more casual alternatives for informal contexts.

What makes something "monumental" rather than just "important"?

Something "monumental" possesses not only importance but also a sense of grandeur, scale, and lasting impact. It often refers to achievements or events that reshape history or culture, unlike something merely "important" which might have more limited effects.