they were popular

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were popular" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a group of people, items, or ideas that were well-liked or widely accepted in the past. Example: "In the 90s, boy bands like Backstreet Boys and NSYNC were popular among teenagers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

They were popular in the jewelry trade, mounted into various items.

Wikipedia

They were popular!

The New York Times

They were popular throughout India.

The Guardian - Books

Acquaintances said they were popular on campus.

The New York Times

And they were popular, particularly with working-class men.

The Guardian - Business

And they were popular with all the fans".

The New York Times

Small wonder that they were popular with their clients.

The Guardian

"And they were popular because they could weather the cold".

The New York Times

They were popular enough that the company plans to bring them back this holiday season.

The New York Times - Tech

Bartenders at several bars with the machines installed said they were popular among customers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I got into Apple early on – from G4 iMacs in the early 1990s, before they were popular.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "they were popular", ensure the subject (the 'they') is clearly defined and the time frame is evident, either explicitly or through context. For instance, "In the 1980s, leg warmers were popular".

Common error

Avoid using "they were popular" without providing context about when this popularity occurred. Without a timeframe, the statement lacks specific meaning and can be confusing. Be specific: "They were popular in the 1990s" instead of just "They were popular".

Linguistic Context

"They were popular" functions as a descriptive phrase. It indicates that a specific group or item experienced widespread approval or prevalence during a particular time. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which demonstrate usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were popular" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe past prevalence or approval, according to Ludwig. With a neutral register and usage across varied sources, it effectively conveys information about historical trends, preferences, or status. The key is to provide clear context to define the subject and timeframe. While synonyms like "they enjoyed widespread appeal" or "they were all the rage" offer alternatives, the directness of "they were popular" makes it a versatile choice for clear communication. As evidenced by the number of real-world examples, this phrase remains a staple in both formal and informal contexts, solidifying its place in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they enjoyed widespread appeal

Focuses on the broad attraction or liking the subject garnered.

they were widely favored

Highlights the preferential treatment or selection the subject received.

they were well-received

Highlights positive reactions or acceptance of the subject.

they were all the rage

Indicates a period of intense but potentially short-lived fashion or trendiness.

they had a large following

Emphasizes the group of people who admired or supported the subject.

they were in vogue

Specifies that the subject was fashionable or trendy at a particular time.

they were highly sought after

Focuses on demand or desire for the subject.

they became fashionable

Highlights the adoption of the subject into the fashion scene.

they gained traction

Emphasizes the increasing adoption or acceptance of the subject.

they were well-known

Indicates widespread familiarity or recognition of the subject.

FAQs

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

Use "they were popular" to describe something that was well-liked or common during a certain time. For example, "Bell-bottom jeans "were popular" in the 1970s."

What's a more formal way to say "they were popular"?

More formal alternatives to "they were popular" include "they enjoyed widespread appeal", "they were widely favored", or "they experienced a surge in popularity".

What can I say instead of "they were popular" if I want to emphasize a trend?

If you want to emphasize a trend, you can use alternatives like "they were all the rage" or "they were in vogue". These phrases suggest a fashionable or trendy status during a specific period.

Is it correct to say "they are popular" instead of "they were popular"?

The choice between "they are popular" and "they were popular" depends on whether the subject is currently popular or was popular in the past. Use "they are popular" to describe current popularity, and "they were popular" for past popularity. The timeframe is important for maintaining correct grammar and meaning.