they were thriving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were thriving" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where individuals, groups, or entities are flourishing or doing very well, often in terms of health, success, or growth. Example: "After implementing the new strategies, they were thriving in their business endeavors, attracting more customers than ever before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I thought they were thriving.

The New York Times

"One minute they were thriving entities worth billions, and the next.

The New Yorker

In 2005, 25% of those polled in Tunisia felt said that they were thriving.

The New York Times

"One minute they were thriving entities worth billions, and the next..

The New Yorker

Some store-brand manufacturers said they were thriving as consumers looked for cheaper alternatives to branded products.

The New York Times

Periodically, he would revisit the trees to collect the small, tart fruit, and discover that they were thriving on neglect.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"We know that they weren't thriving, but we know that they are thriving now.

The New York Times

Kelvin Haji in Thyolo district and Chrissy Charles in Dowa district, are doing more than just surviving--they are thriving.

Huffington Post

They are thriving financially.

The New York Times - Sports

They are thriving.

The New York Times

"They are thriving right now.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were thriving" to vividly depict a state of growth, health, or success, ensuring the context clearly indicates what 'they' refers to and what area of life or business is experiencing prosperity.

Common error

Avoid using "they were thriving" when you simply mean 'they were surviving'. "Thriving" implies a level of success and prosperity that goes beyond mere existence. If the subject is just managing to get by, a phrase like "they were surviving" or "they were coping" is more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were thriving" functions as a verb phrase, specifically the past continuous tense of the verb 'thrive'. It describes a continuous state of flourishing or doing well, as exemplified in the provided examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were thriving" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to illustrate a condition of flourishing or notable success. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is appropriate for describing progress and positive outcomes in diverse contexts, primarily within news and scientific reporting. To ensure accuracy, use this phrase when depicting genuine prosperity rather than mere survival, and consider context-appropriate synonyms like "flourishing" or "prospering" to nuance your message. The examples underscore the phrase's versatility and positive connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were flourishing

Emphasizes growth and development in a positive way.

they were prospering

Focuses on financial success and good fortune.

they were succeeding

Highlights the achievement of goals and positive outcomes.

they were excelling

Implies a high level of performance and skill.

they were blooming

Suggests a period of rapid growth and beauty, often used metaphorically.

they were in their prime

Focuses on the peak of their development and success.

they were on the rise

Indicates upward movement and increasing success.

they were on a roll

Suggests continuous success and momentum.

they were making headway

Highlights progress and advancement despite possible obstacles.

they were going strong

Indicates resilience and continued success over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were thriving" to describe a group or entity experiencing significant success or growth. For instance, "After the new management took over, "they were thriving", exceeding all expectations."

What are some alternatives to "they were thriving"?

Alternatives include "they were flourishing", "they were prospering", or "they were succeeding". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "they were thriving"?

No, ensure the context accurately reflects a state of considerable success and positive growth. If the situation involves minimal improvement or just getting by, other phrases might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "they were surviving" and "they were thriving"?

"They were surviving" implies merely managing to exist or cope with a difficult situation. "They were thriving", on the other hand, suggests a state of prosperity, growth, and flourishing, exceeding basic needs and expectations.