they were well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group of people were in a good state, either physically or emotionally. Example: "After the long journey, I was relieved to hear that they were well and had settled in comfortably."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

They were well matched.

The New York Times - Arts

They were well organised.

The Economist

They were well, Elliott said.

The New Yorker

They were well looked after.

The Economist

They were well lighted onstage.

The New York Times - Arts

They were well educated.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

They were well-populated.

The New York Times

They were well-connected.

The Guardian

They were well-worn.

The Washington Post

"They were well-known themselves.

The New York Times

Mostly they were well-off.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were well" to succinctly convey that a group's condition is satisfactory, whether referring to their health, preparedness, or overall state of being.

Common error

Ensure the context clarifies what aspect of "well" you're referencing. Saying "they were well" without context can leave readers wondering if you mean healthy, prepared, or something else entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were well" functions as a clause element, typically serving as a predicative complement. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct. Examples show it attributing a state of being to a group.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were well" is a versatile expression used to indicate a positive state of being for a group. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media contexts. It is deemed a neutral phrase that can be used to express health, preparedness, or overall condition. For more formal contexts, specific terminology might be preferred to avoid ambiguity. Common alternatives include "they were healthy", "they were prepared", or "they were fine", depending on the precise meaning intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were in good health

Specifically highlights their physical health status.

they were doing fine

Indicates that they were managing well or experiencing no problems.

they felt healthy

Focuses on their subjective feeling of health rather than an objective assessment.

their condition was good

Emphasizes the state or condition they were in, which could refer to health, preparedness, or other factors.

they were in a good state

A broader term indicating a positive overall condition or situation.

they were in top shape

Implies they were in excellent physical condition, ready for any challenge.

they were adequately prepared

Highlights their level of readiness for a specific task or situation.

they were suitably matched

Shifts the meaning towards compatibility or appropriateness rather than just well-being.

they were flourishing

Suggests they were thriving or prospering, going beyond basic well-being.

they were properly equipped

Focuses on preparedness, suggesting they had the necessary resources or training.

FAQs

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

The phrase "they were well" indicates that a group of individuals were in a good state of health, condition, or preparedness. For example, "Despite the initial challenges, they were well looked after." or "After the treatment, they were well enough to go home."

What does "they were well" imply about a group of people?

It typically implies that the group was in good health or a positive condition. The specific meaning can vary based on the context, such as whether "they were well prepared" for an event or "they were well cared for" during an illness.

Is "they were well" formal or informal?

The phrase "they were well" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the formality of the surrounding language and the specific situation will ultimately determine the overall tone.

What are some alternatives to saying "they were well"?

Depending on the specific meaning you want to convey, alternatives include "they were healthy" (if referring to health), "they were prepared" (if referring to preparedness), or "they were fine" (if referring to overall condition).