they were prosperous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were prosperous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a group of people or a community that is experiencing wealth or success. Example: "During the economic boom, they were prosperous, enjoying a high standard of living and abundant resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

AMONG the prominent families of New York City, the Roosevelts may be known now for their presidents, but in the 19th century they were prosperous merchants who built widely, mainly for investment purposes.

The New York Times

They were prosperous enough to send him to Monkton Combe school, Bath, from which he went to Pembroke College, Oxford, where he read law, took the degrees of BA and BCL, and won a Vinerian scholarship.

The Guardian

Demand for their product was so high that they were prosperous enough to commission portraits.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Which is to say, they're prosperous.

The New York Times

They are prosperous democracies and American allies in a fraught region.

The Economist

"It does not matter if the families are eking it out or if they are prosperous," she said.

The New York Times

But every year more and more Chinese consumers find they are prosperous enough to afford a set of wheels, and no obstacle will stop them from buying one.

The Economist

For example, the U.S. has only 25,000 cotton growers, but they are prosperous (with an average net worth of $800,000) and thus influential.

The New York Times

Coe revisits the cast of his 1970's novel, "The Rotters' Club"; they are prosperous now, but still unable to do right things right.

The New York Times

They are prosperous lawyers who defend dissidents knowing that it could cost them their jobs, and comfortable academics whose names on a human-rights petition could doom them to demotion or exile.

The New York Times

You didn't see how people were starving.' "I say, 'Other countries in the region are moving ahead now and they are prosperous.' "He says, 'They're in crisis.' "I say, 'Now they are emerging and they are moving faster than we are.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical periods or groups, using "they were prosperous" can effectively convey their economic well-being and success.

Common error

While accurate, using "they were prosperous" repeatedly in a text can become monotonous. Consider using synonyms such as "they thrived" or "they flourished" to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were prosperous" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a group's economic status and overall well-being. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is grammatically sound. It is used to convey that the individuals or entities in question experienced a period of financial success and abundance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were prosperous" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a group's economic well-being and success. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is both accurate and applicable in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media sources, often used to describe historical periods or specific communities. While effective, it's wise to avoid overuse and consider synonyms such as "they thrived" or "they flourished" for variety. Remember to maintain subject-verb agreement and use the correct plural form, "were", rather than "was". This phrase serves to inform about the positive economic standing of a group, maintaining a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they thrived

Focuses on growth and successful development, implying more than just financial success.

they flourished

Emphasizes a state of vigorous growth and thriving, suggesting a high level of success.

they were affluent

Specifically highlights wealth and material abundance.

they were wealthy

Directly indicates a state of having a lot of money and possessions.

they were well-off

Suggests a comfortable financial situation without necessarily implying extreme wealth.

they enjoyed success

Shifts the focus to the achievement of favorable outcomes and accomplishments.

they lived comfortably

Highlights the ease and comfort afforded by their financial status.

they made good money

More informal and focuses on the act of earning a substantial income.

they struck it rich

Suggests a sudden acquisition of wealth, often through luck or a single event.

they had it made

Informal expression indicating they had achieved a secure and successful position in life.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they were prosperous" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "they were affluent", "they were wealthy", or "they enjoyed economic success".

What's the difference between "they were prosperous" and "they were rich"?

"They were prosperous" implies general success and well-being, while "they were rich" focuses specifically on having a large amount of money or assets.

Is it correct to say "they was prosperous" instead of "they were prosperous"?

No, "they was prosperous" is grammatically incorrect. The correct plural form of "to be" is "were", so the correct phrase is "they were prosperous".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "they were prosperous"?

The phrase is appropriate when describing a group's state of economic success, well-being, and material comfort. For example, "During the industrial revolution, "they were wealthy" and influential".