they were wary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were wary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of caution or suspicion regarding a person, situation, or thing. Example: "As the storm approached, they were wary of the potential dangers it could bring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were wary of me".

The Guardian - Film

They were wary of the Panthers.

The New York Times - Sports

They were wary of the big, earnest, bespectacled young American.

The Economist

But they were wary even before their credit crunched.

The Economist

They were wary of being labeled troublemakers by U.S.O.C. members.

The New York Times

They were wary of being bugged," he added.

The Guardian - Tech

Some appliance makers said they were wary of committing to wireless devices in a down economy.

The New York Times - Tech

Rather, they were wary of dramatists who experimented with fresh material.

The New York Times

They were wary of church-state entanglements, so tended instead to their flocks' basic needs.

The Economist

Worried about having rowdy neighbors, they were wary of buildings with a high proportion of renters.

The New York Times

For good reason, they were wary of the state — it was shooting at them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were wary", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is being cautious or suspicious of. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid vagueness by specifying what "they" are wary of. Simply stating "they were wary" leaves the reader wondering about the source of their apprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were wary" functions as a clause element, specifically a subject complement, describing the state or condition of the subject (they). As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were wary" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate caution or suspicion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and accuracy. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various forms of communication. When using the phrase, clarity is key, ensuring the object of wariness is explicitly stated. Alternatives such as "they were cautious" or "they were suspicious" can be used depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were cautious

Emphasizes carefulness and prudence in the face of potential danger or uncertainty.

they were suspicious

Highlights a feeling of doubt or mistrust about someone or something.

they were apprehensive

Suggests anxiety or fear about something that might happen.

they were leery

Implies a hesitant or doubtful attitude, often based on past experience.

they were distrustful

Focuses on a lack of confidence or reliance on someone or something.

they were guarded

Indicates a reserved or protective demeanor, often to avoid vulnerability.

they were hesitant

Shows a reluctance or unwillingness to do something.

they were circumspect

Highlights the importance of considering all possible consequences before acting.

they were on their guard

Emphasizes a state of readiness to defend against potential threats.

they were skeptical

Indicates doubt about the truth or validity of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were wary" to express caution or suspicion. For example, "They were wary of the new proposal" or "They were wary of his intentions".

What's the difference between "they were wary" and "they were cautious"?

While both phrases suggest a degree of carefulness, "they were wary" implies a stronger sense of suspicion or distrust, while "they were cautious" simply means they were careful.

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

You can use alternatives like "they were suspicious", "they were apprehensive", or "they were leery", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "they was wary" grammatically correct?

No, "they was wary" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "they were wary", as "were" is the plural form of the verb "to be" used with the plural pronoun "they".