they were phenomenal

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'they were phenomenal' is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could use it in a review of a performance, such as: "I went to see the band last night, and they were phenomenal!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"They were phenomenal".

The New Yorker

But they were phenomenal".

The New York Times - Sports

"And they were phenomenal".

The New York Times - Sports

"They were phenomenal," said Wiggins.

The Guardian - Sport

"They were phenomenal and iconic in their genre".

The New York Times

But they were phenomenal and understood it was probably the most important show of their career.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"They're phenomenal survivors.

The Guardian - Film

They're phenomenal people.

The Washington Post

They are phenomenal athletes and pretty good singers and dancers.

The New York Times

Yet where there is evidence of impact, they are phenomenal.

The Guardian

Each of these deals are significant; collectively they are phenomenal.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were phenomenal" to express strong approval or admiration for a performance, achievement, or quality. Ensure the context makes it clear who or what "they" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "they were phenomenal" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to convey the same sentiment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were phenomenal" functions as a subjective evaluation, expressing a very positive assessment. It ascribes exceptional quality or performance to a previously mentioned subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were phenomenal" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to express strong admiration or approval. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it might be less suitable for highly formal or academic writing where more precise language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "they were outstanding" or "they were exceptional" for different shades of meaning. The phrase effectively communicates the speaker's or writer's positive evaluation of a subject's qualities or performance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were outstanding

Replaces "phenomenal" with a more straightforward term for exceptional quality.

they were exceptional

Substitutes "phenomenal" with a term emphasizing rarity and deviation from the norm.

they were remarkable

Replaces "phenomenal" focusing on the noteworthiness and memorability of their performance.

they were incredible

Uses a term that highlights the difficulty in believing how good they were.

they were superb

Emphasizes their high quality with a more formal tone.

they were magnificent

Replaces "phenomenal" to express grandeur and impressiveness.

they were extraordinary

Focuses on their deviation from the ordinary.

they were first-rate

An idiom indicating top-notch quality.

they were top-notch

An informal term expressing high quality and competence.

they exceeded all expectations

Shifts focus from inherent quality to performance relative to anticipation.

FAQs

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

This phrase is used to express strong admiration or approval. For instance, "The dancers' performance was breathtaking; /s/they+were+phenomenal".

What are some alternatives to "they were phenomenal"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "they were outstanding", "they were exceptional", or "they were remarkable".

Is "they were phenomenal" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, it might be perceived as less formal. In academic or business contexts, consider alternatives with a more sophisticated tone.

What does "phenomenal" mean in the context of "they were phenomenal"?

In this context, "phenomenal" means extraordinarily good or impressive, indicating that the subject greatly exceeded expectations or exhibited exceptional qualities.