they were nervous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were nervous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's emotional state, particularly in situations that may cause anxiety or apprehension. Example: "As the exam approached, they were nervous about their performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They were nervous.

Independent

They were nervous? A. They were nervous.

The New York Times

Moreso, they were nervous.

The New York Times - Sports

They were nervous, too.

The New Yorker

Maybe they were nervous.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think they were nervous".

The New York Times - Sports

Some said they were nervous.

The New York Times

I know they were nervous.

The Guardian - Film

Maybe they were nervous about the performers.

The New York Times - Arts

They were nervous, they were acquiescent.

The New York Times - Books

Obviously they were nervous for their dad.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were nervous" to describe a general state of anxiety or unease in a group of people. For more nuanced descriptions, consider using synonyms or idioms that convey specific aspects of nervousness, such as physical symptoms or underlying fears.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "they were nervous" can make writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, vary your vocabulary by using alternatives like "they were apprehensive", "they felt anxious", or more descriptive phrases that specify the cause and manifestation of their nervousness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were nervous" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing the adjective "nervous" to a group of people represented by the pronoun "they". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were nervous" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe the emotional state of a group experiencing anxiety or apprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, but it is particularly prevalent in news and media. While the phrase is versatile, considering synonyms like "they felt anxious" or "they were apprehensive" can enhance the nuance and clarity of your writing, especially in more formal settings. Remember to always use "were" with the pronoun "they". Ultimately, "they were nervous" is a reliable way to communicate a common emotional state, and by keeping in mind the context and audience, writers can use it effectively to add depth and understanding to their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they felt anxious

Replaces "nervous" with a direct synonym, focusing on the feeling of anxiety.

they were uneasy

Replaces "nervous" with a synonym that suggests a lack of comfort or peace of mind.

they were apprehensive

Substitutes "nervous" with a more formal synonym, highlighting a sense of foreboding.

they were worried

Focuses on the mental aspect of nervousness, emphasizing concern about potential problems.

they were concerned

Indicates a state of worry and anxiety about a specific issue or situation.

they were on edge

Uses an idiom to describe a state of heightened tension and irritability.

they were fearful

Highlights the element of fear associated with the nervousness.

they were jittery

Emphasizes the physical manifestations of nervousness, such as trembling or restlessness.

they were agitated

Suggests a state of restlessness and irritability due to nervousness.

they had butterflies in their stomach

Uses a common idiom to describe the feeling of nervousness, especially before an event.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were nervous" to describe a group's emotional state in situations causing anxiety or apprehension. For example, "Before the presentation, they were nervous about speaking in front of a large audience."

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

You can use alternatives like "they felt anxious", "they were apprehensive", or "they were uneasy" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they was nervous"?

No, "they was nervous" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "they were nervous", as "they" is a plural pronoun and requires the plural verb "were".

What's the difference between "they were nervous" and "they felt nervous"?

While both phrases are similar, "they were nervous" describes an observable state of being, while "they felt nervous" emphasizes the internal sensation or emotion. The choice depends on whether you want to focus on outward behavior or inward experience.