they were serious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were serious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's earnestness or sincerity in a particular situation or statement. Example: "When they said they were serious about the project, I knew they meant it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"They were serious.

The New York Times - Sports

Soon, they were serious players.

The New York Times

I could not believe they were serious".

The New York Times

They were serious about their mission.

The New York Times - Science

And then we realized they were serious".

The New York Times

They were serious and worthy investigations".

The Guardian

I think they were serious, too.

The New York Times - Sports

And they were serious about that.

The New York Times

"They were serious suits," he said.

The New York Times

They were serious, lending women increased authority.

The New York Times

They were serious trangressions for which he later apologised.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were serious", ensure the context provides sufficient information about what they were serious about. Clarity helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they were serious" sarcastically, as this can confuse your audience. The phrase generally implies sincerity, so using it ironically requires careful setup to ensure your intent is clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were serious" primarily functions as a declarative statement. It conveys a sense of conviction, intent, or unwavering commitment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression clearly indicates sincerity and earnestness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were serious" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey the sincerity and commitment of a group or individuals. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to assure the audience of the genuine nature of intentions, establishing the gravity of situations. Related phrases include alternatives like "they meant business" or "they were earnest", each adding a slight nuance to the conveyed message. It's crucial to use the phrase in contexts where sincerity is intended, avoiding sarcasm to prevent misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they meant business

Highlights the determination and focus on achieving a specific goal, similar to taking something seriously.

they were not joking

Emphasizes the absence of humor or levity, indicating a sincere and earnest intent.

they were earnest

Focuses on the sincerity and genuineness of their intentions or actions.

they were committed

Stresses dedication and unwavering resolve towards a particular cause or objective.

they were resolute

Implies a firm and unwavering determination, suggesting a strong commitment to their course of action.

they were determined

Highlights their strong will and resolve to achieve a specific outcome.

they were unflinching

Emphasizes steadfastness and a refusal to waver in the face of adversity or opposition.

they were dead set

Indicates a firm and unchangeable decision, implying a strong commitment to a particular course of action.

they were in earnest

Stresses that their actions and words are genuine and sincere, not frivolous or insincere.

they were playing for keeps

Emphasizes that the situation is serious and the stakes are high, implying a strong desire to win or succeed.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were serious" to indicate someone's sincerity or commitment to something. For example, "When they said they would finish the project on time, they were serious."

What's a more formal alternative to "they were serious"?

Formal alternatives include phrases like "they were earnest", "they were resolute", or "they meant business", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "they are serious" is correct, but it indicates a present state of seriousness, whereas "they were serious" refers to a past state. The choice depends on the context and the timeframe you're referring to.

How does "they were serious" differ from "they seemed serious"?

"They were serious" implies a confirmed state of sincerity, while "they seemed serious" suggests an observation or impression that they appeared serious, but without absolute certainty.