they were uneasy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were uneasy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of discomfort or anxiety experienced by a group of people in various contexts. Example: "As the storm approached, they were uneasy about the potential damage it could cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Still, they were uneasy about seeing each other again.

The New York Times

Like most of the collection, they were uneasy versions of "too much is never enough".

The New York Times

But they were uneasy with the soul-sucking consumerism and the corruption around them.

The New York Times

And he got laughs; it was impossible to tell whether they were uneasy ones.

The New York Times - Arts

They were uneasy in my presence, and later I found out why.

The New Yorker

Some Democrats said they were uneasy about that as the country struggled to end a recession.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

"They are uneasy about Hillary Clinton.

The New York Times

They are uneasy about being lumped by outsiders into an undifferentiated cultural mass.

The New York Times - Style

Still, people like Mr. Ginsberg, the coal company executive, say they are uneasy.

The New York Times

They are uneasy, at times, about the ethics of their labor.

The New Yorker

The Free Democrats, partners in Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition government, have said they are uneasy about buying stolen data.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were uneasy" to express a mild to moderate level of discomfort or concern within a group. Ensure the context clearly indicates who "they" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "they were uneasy" for situations requiring stronger language, such as extreme fear or outrage. Opt for more impactful words to accurately reflect the intensity of the emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were uneasy" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating a state of discomfort or apprehension experienced by a group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in diverse contexts. The phrase commonly serves to convey a sense of mild anxiety or concern.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were uneasy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to depict a state of discomfort or mild anxiety within a group. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's particularly common in news and media contexts, demonstrating its broad applicability. While the register is generally neutral, selecting more precise synonyms might be beneficial in formal writing. Remember to consider the context and intensity of the emotion when choosing this phrase to ensure accurate representation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they felt anxious

Focuses on the feeling of anxiety as the primary emotion.

they were apprehensive

Highlights a sense of foreboding or concern about future events.

they were uncomfortable

Emphasizes physical or emotional discomfort in a situation.

they felt worried

Highlights a state of concern or distress.

they were disturbed

Suggests a deeper sense of unsettlement or disruption.

they were unsettled

Implies a lack of stability or peace of mind.

they felt insecure

Focuses on a lack of confidence or safety.

they were suspicious

Indicates a feeling of distrust or doubt.

they were skeptical

Highlights a doubting or questioning attitude.

they were leery

Suggests caution and hesitation due to potential danger or deception.

FAQs

What does "they were uneasy" mean?

The phrase "they were uneasy" describes a state of discomfort, anxiety, or lack of ease experienced by a group of people. It suggests a mild to moderate level of concern or apprehension.

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

You can use alternatives like "they felt anxious", "they were apprehensive", or "they were uncomfortable" depending on the specific context.

Is "they were uneasy" formal or informal?

The phrase "they were uneasy" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the audience and choose alternatives if a more precise or impactful word is needed.

How do I use "they were uneasy" in a sentence?

Use "they were uneasy" to describe a group's feeling of discomfort or anxiety. For example: "The team members were uneasy about the new project deadline."