were adept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were adept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who was skilled or proficient in a particular area or activity in the past. Example: "The team members were adept at problem-solving, which helped them navigate the challenges they faced during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were adept at managing a ring of subordinates.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Kids were adept at getting around the blocks," she said.

The New York Times

Despite one overgenerous account, in Time, the Americans were adept at little else but self-promotion.

The New Yorker

They were adept at selling products from anywhere in the world.

The New York Times

The owners of the newspaper were adept at gathering political intelligence.

The New York Times

Some participants were adept at Web surfing, and some were not.

The New York Times - Tech

They were adept at navigating through the local authority bureaucracy that then ran our schools.

The Guardian - Opinion

Piratical sounds about right, for Van Halen were adept at picking fights, too.

The Guardian - Music

Mr. Floyd said his members were adept at quelling combustible situations and defusing threats.

The New York Times

All were adept at the long lines and the rapid-fire ornamentation of bel canto style.

The New York Times - Arts

Moderates and conservatives were adept at guessing how liberals would answer questions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were adept" to describe a group's specific skill or proficiency developed over time, such as "They "were adept" at navigating complex bureaucratic processes."

Common error

Avoid using "adept" as a noun when you need a plural form. "Adept" is primarily an adjective; instead, use "experts" or "skilled individuals" when referring to people. For example, say "The team consisted of experts" rather than "The team consisted of adepters."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were adept" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a high level of skill or proficiency. Ludwig examples show it is used to describe skills in diverse fields. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase follows standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

22%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were adept" effectively conveys skill or proficiency in a past context. As Ludwig highlights, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various domains. The phrase is particularly prevalent in news and media, showcasing its utility in describing historical capabilities. While synonyms like "were skilled" and "were proficient" exist, "were adept" offers a distinct nuance implying a developed expertise. Remember to use "were adept" for plural subjects. Overall, "were adept" is a versatile and authoritative choice for expressing past competence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were proficient

Replaces "adept" with a direct synonym, maintaining the original structure.

were skilled

Substitutes "adept" with another common synonym, focusing on general competence.

were competent in

Suggests a sufficient level of skill to perform tasks effectively.

had a knack for

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey a natural talent or ability.

were highly capable

Focuses on the inherent ability and potential for success.

were masters of

Emphasizes a high level of expertise or control.

excelled at

Highlights superior performance in a particular area.

were experienced in

Emphasizes the role of experience in developing skill.

demonstrated expertise in

Highlights the outward display of specialized knowledge or skill.

possessed a talent for

Emphasizes an innate ability or gift.

FAQs

How can I use "were adept" in a sentence?

The phrase "were adept" is used to describe individuals or groups who were highly skilled or proficient in a particular area or activity. For example, "The programmers "were adept" at coding in multiple languages."

What are some synonyms for "were adept"?

Synonyms for "were adept" include "were skilled", "were proficient", and "were expert". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was adept" instead of "were adept"?

No, "was adept" is used for singular subjects, while "were adept" is used for plural subjects or with the pronoun 'you'. For example, "He was adept at playing the piano," but "They "were adept" at solving complex problems."

What's the difference between "were adept at" and "were good at"?

"Were adept at" implies a higher level of skill and expertise than "were good at". While both phrases indicate competence, "were adept at" suggests mastery or exceptional ability.