they were open

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "they were open" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that had an open status, such as a business, an event, or door. For example, "The store was open until 10 PM, but they were open late for us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Unfortunately, they were open bins".

The New York Times

They were open to me.

The Washington Post

They were open for business.

The New York Times - Travel

"They were open," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

They were open to Hulisi".

The New York Times

"They were open every time".

The New York Times

They were open to new things.

Columbia University

But they were open to ideas.

The New York Times

But seven months later, they were open.

The Guardian

Maisler: Well, they were open almost to everybody.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Also, they were open-minded enough to hire me," he adds wryly.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were open" to describe a business, specify the days or times they were open for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "they were open" to describe an object that simply lacks a lid or covering. Use it when referring to a state of operation, receptiveness, or accessibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were open" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a state of accessibility, receptiveness, or operational status. Ludwig AI affirms this with numerous examples showing varied applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were open" is a versatile and frequently used expression that generally indicates a state of accessibility, receptiveness, or operational status. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide application across various contexts. Its use is most common in news and media, but it also appears in academic and scientific writing. While fairly straightforward, writers should be mindful of the specific context to ensure clear communication. Remember that clarity is achieved when a description is concise and contextually appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were receptive

Focuses on their willingness to accept or consider something, highlighting openness to ideas or suggestions.

they were accessible

Emphasizes the ease with which something or someone could be reached or obtained.

they were willing

Highlights their readiness or eagerness to do something.

they were amenable

Suggests that they were agreeable or compliant.

they considered open

Indicates that something was regarded as open for discussion or interpretation.

they were inclined

Implies a tendency or predisposition towards being open.

they become open

Describes the process of becoming open, suggesting a change in state or attitude.

they were susceptible

Highlights a vulnerability or openness to influence or change.

they were opening

Refers to the act of becoming open or starting to open.

they were opened

Indicates that something was made open, often by an external force.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were open" to indicate that a business was operating, people were receptive to ideas, or opportunities were available. For example, "The store was open until 9 PM" or "They were receptive to our suggestions".

What are some alternatives to "they were open"?

Alternatives include "they were receptive", "they were accessible", or "they were willing" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Which is correct: "they were open" or "they are open"?

"They were open" indicates a past state, while "they are open" indicates a present state. Choose the tense that matches the time frame you are describing.

What's the difference between "they were open" and "they were opened"?

"They were open" means they were in a state of being open or operating. "They were opened" implies that someone or something caused them to be open, for example, "The doors were opened by the staff".