they were surprised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were surprised" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a specific instance in which someone or several people were taken aback. For example, "When they opened their presents, they were surprised to find tickets to a concert they had been wanting to attend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They were surprised.

The New Yorker

"Mainly they were surprised".

The Guardian

Of course, they were surprised.

The New York Times - Sports

They were surprised, angry, and confused.

The New Yorker

They were surprised how good I was".

The New York Times

They were surprised, and they understood.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, many Democrats said they were surprised.

The New York Times

'But they were surprised they liked it.

The Guardian - Film

They were surprised to learn that rents had soared citywide.

The New York Times

"I think they were surprised I was honest about it".

The Guardian - Music

They were surprised at how many possibilities they found there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Enhance the impact of "they were surprised" by specifying the reason for their surprise immediately afterward, providing a more vivid picture for the reader. For example, "They were surprised by the sudden turn of events."

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "they were surprised" in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "they were astonished", "they were taken aback", or restructuring the sentence to show, rather than tell, their surprise. This adds depth and avoids monotony in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were surprised" primarily functions as a statement expressing a reaction of unexpectedness or astonishment experienced by a group. Ludwig AI indicates that it follows standard grammar rules and is widely used. The examples show that it is used to express different degrees of surprise in various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were surprised" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a sense of unexpectedness or astonishment experienced by a group. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to inform about reactions to unexpected events or revelations. While various alternatives exist, such as "they were astonished" or "they were taken aback", it's crucial to ensure contextual clarity and avoid overuse for stylistic effectiveness. By using a mix of vocabulary and being mindful of the intended impact, one can add depth and nuance to their writing. Ludwig provides several examples showcasing diverse real-world applications of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were astonished

This alternative emphasizes a greater degree of amazement compared to the original phrase.

they were amazed

This option highlights the feeling of wonderment experienced by the people.

they were taken aback

This suggests that the surprise caused a momentary shock or pause.

they were shocked

This implies a stronger emotional reaction, often due to something negative or disturbing.

they were startled

This indicates a sudden, often physical, reaction to something unexpected.

it caught them off guard

This implies a lack of preparation for what happened.

they didn't expect it

This directly states the lack of anticipation.

they were unprepared

Focuses on the lack of readiness for an event.

it was unexpected for them

This highlights the unforeseen nature of the situation.

they hadn't anticipated it

Similar to "they didn't expect it", but more formal.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "they were astonished", "they were amazed", or "they were taken aback" depending on the context.

How to use "they were surprised" in a sentence?

Use "they were surprised" to indicate that a group of people experienced unexpected feelings or events. For example: "They were surprised to see him at the party", "They were surprised by the sudden announcement".

What's the difference between "they were surprised" and "they seemed surprised"?

"They were surprised" indicates a definite state of surprise, while "they seemed surprised" suggests an observation or impression of surprise that may not be certain. The latter implies a degree of uncertainty or interpretation.

Is it correct to say "they was surprised"?

No, "they was surprised" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "they were surprised", as "were" is the plural form of the verb "to be" in the past tense, which agrees with the plural pronoun "they".