they were stuck

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "they were stuck" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation in which two people or a group of people cannot move forward or cannot make progress. For example, "After hours of trying to solve the problem, they were stuck and had to call in an expert for help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

They were stuck in traffic.

The New York Times

"They were stuck," Mr. Rebo said.

The New York Times - Arts

So they were stuck with Palestine.

The Guardian

They were stuck for a fourth person.

The New York Times

They were stuck in a vicious cycle.

The Guardian

They were stuck with poorly performing credit card portfolios.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

And they were sticking in place.

The New York Times

But governors said they were sticking with their "agonising" decision.

BBC

Maybe they're stuck.

Cornell University

Either way, they are stuck.

The Economist

They are stuck with it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were stuck" to clearly and concisely convey the idea that a group of people were unable to move, progress, or escape a particular situation. It's versatile and easily understood in most contexts.

Common error

While "they were stuck" is widely applicable, avoid using it repeatedly within a short passage, especially when describing slightly different scenarios. Vary your language by incorporating related phrases like "they were trapped" or "they were stranded" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were stuck" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a group of people were in a situation where they could not move forward, either literally or figuratively. Ludwig shows several examples where the phrase describes physical immobility (e.g., in traffic) and metaphorical stagnation (e.g., in a project).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were stuck" is a common and versatile expression used to describe a situation where people are unable to move, progress, or escape. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it effectively conveys a sense of immobility or stagnation. When using this phrase, consider the specific nuance you want to communicate and explore related phrases to maintain clarity and engagement. Remember that "they were stuck" generally implies a temporary situation and does not necessarily implies danger or difficult escape.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were trapped

Focuses on the lack of escape from a physical or metaphorical space.

they were immobilized

Emphasizes the inability to move or take action.

they were stranded

Highlights the abandonment or isolation in a difficult situation.

they were marooned

Similar to stranded, but often suggests a more remote or desolate location.

they were held up

Implies a temporary delay or obstruction.

they were gridlocked

Specifically refers to being stuck in heavy traffic or a situation with no movement.

they were cornered

Suggests being forced into a difficult or inescapable position.

they were at a standstill

Emphasizes the complete lack of progress or activity.

they were deadlocked

Used to describe a situation where agreement or progress is impossible.

they couldn't advance

Focuses on the inability to move forward or make progress.

FAQs

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

The phrase "they were stuck" can be used to describe a situation where people are unable to move physically, or unable to progress in a project or situation. For example, "they were stuck in traffic" or "they were stuck on a problem".

What's the difference between "they were stuck" and "they were trapped"?

"They were stuck" generally implies a temporary inability to move or progress. "They were trapped", however, suggests a more serious situation where escape is difficult or impossible, often implying danger or confinement.

What can I say instead of "they were stuck"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "they were stranded", "they were immobilized", or "they were at a standstill". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "they were stuck" formal or informal?

The phrase "they were stuck" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing than on the phrase itself.