they were significant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were significant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the importance or impact of a subject or event in a given context. Example: "The findings of the study were significant, indicating a strong correlation between diet and health outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were significant years for the series.

The New York Times - Arts

While the water undertakings from the government look thin, Xenophon claimed they were significant.

The Guardian

In short, they were significant figures in the development of the dynamic art known as Baroque.

The New York Times - Arts

They were significant not only because of their content, but because they demonstrated the power of the press as well.

The New York Times - Arts

She filed a federal habeas petition with the U.S. District Court, which acknowledged procedural errors but disagreed that they were significant.

The New Yorker

Ms. Rigano's commissions in recent years were being tabulated yesterday, according to the manager, who said she did not think they were significant.

The New York Times

Referring to the trades of players like Luongo and Eric Brewer, Milbury admitted they were "significant assets" but added: "We didn't get chopped liver in return.

The New York Times - Sports

No matter what the government's achievements – and they were significant – the Gillard government never got a clear run at selling them.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were not the electric goings-on that herald a football game in the Midwest, but for this 12,000-student commuter campus, they were significant.

The New York Times - Sports

Events in Vietnam had taken on significance for the United States only insofar as American policymakers, guided by global strategic theories, had decided that they were significant.

The New Yorker

"They were significant landmarks that helped me navigate," said John Doswell, part owner of the retired fireboat John J. Harvey, which is docked at Pier 63.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were significant", ensure that the context clearly establishes what "they" refers to. Maintaining clarity is crucial for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "they were significant" when the impact or importance is minimal. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility. Provide specific details to support the claim of significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were significant" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing importance or consequence to a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

48%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were significant" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote importance or impact. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across various domains. It is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While effective, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, providing context and avoiding overstatement. Alternatives such as "they mattered greatly" or "they held importance" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Recognizing these nuances enables more precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they held importance

This alternative uses a more formal tone by employing "held importance" instead of "were significant".

they mattered greatly

This emphasizes the degree of importance, suggesting a substantial impact.

they were of consequence

This phrase suggests that the items in question had considerable implications or results.

they carried weight

This idiomatic expression implies that the items had influence or importance.

they proved crucial

This alternative highlights that the items were essential or decisive in a particular situation.

they were paramount

This suggests a higher degree of importance, indicating that the items were superior to others.

they were substantial

This focuses on the magnitude or degree of importance, rather than the impact.

they stood out

This suggests that the items were noticeable due to their importance or impact.

they were noteworthy

This alternative emphasizes that the items deserved attention or recognition.

they registered strongly

This suggests that the items had a clear or powerful effect or impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were significant" to highlight the importance or impact of certain events, factors, or findings. For example, "The changes "they were significant" in reshaping the industry."

What are some alternatives to "they were significant"?

Alternatives include "they were important", "they mattered", or "they were crucial", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "they were significant" or "they were very significant"?

While both are grammatically correct, "they were very significant" emphasizes the degree of importance. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual impact or relevance of the subject.

What's the difference between "they were significant" and "they had significance"?

"They were significant" is a more direct and common way to express importance. "They had significance" is also correct, but slightly more formal and less frequently used.