were at ease

USAGE SUMMARY

"were at ease" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a state of calm, relaxed repose. Example: After a long day, we finally arrived home and were at ease.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

It appears from the White team's years of study of A. ramidus and of Ardi who stood about four feet tall and had a brain less than a quarter of the size of a modern human's that they were "at ease" both walking upright on the ground and moving on all fours through the trees, Levin says.

Johns Hopkins University

That, of course, did not mean they were at ease.

The Guardian - Sport

"Briefly we were at ease with ourselves," he recalls.

The Guardian

We were at ease being naked in front of our son.

The New York Times

By the last work in the concert, Schumann's "Rhenish", they were at ease, the playing taut and lean.

The Guardian - Music

Do you know Hideki?"' Ms. Alterman said the two men were at ease with each other from the start.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

I'm at ease.

The New York Times

He was at ease there.

The New Yorker

But within minutes, she was at ease.

The New York Times

Yet the tourists are at ease.

Independent

INDIA is at ease with big numbers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were at ease" to describe a state of relaxation and comfort, often in contrast to a previous state of tension or difficulty. For example: "After the stressful meeting, they "were at ease" during the coffee break."

Common error

While "were at ease" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language might be required. Consider alternatives like "were comfortable" or "felt secure" depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were at ease" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating a state of comfort, relaxation, or lack of concern. It's generally used to describe a subject's emotional or physical state. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were at ease" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes a state of comfort and relaxation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, with a primary presence in news and media, and scientific writing. When choosing to use the expression, keep in mind that alternatives such as "felt comfortable" or "were relaxed" may provide more precise meaning in certain formal contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's best to avoid it in extremely formal or technical documents where greater specificity is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

felt relaxed

Emphasizes the absence of tension or stress.

were comfortable

Similar to "felt comfortable", but describes a more general state of being.

felt comfortable

Focuses on physical or emotional comfort rather than a general state of ease.

were unworried

Directly indicates an absence of worry.

were at peace

Suggests a deeper sense of tranquility and contentment.

were secure

Highlights a feeling of safety and confidence.

were carefree

Implies a lack of worries or responsibilities.

were untroubled

Implies a lack of disturbance or problems.

were tranquil

Suggests a serene and calm environment or state of mind.

were composed

Indicates a state of being calm and in control of one's emotions.

FAQs

How can I use "were at ease" in a sentence?

The phrase "were at ease" is used to describe a state of being comfortable and relaxed. For example, "After the storm passed, the villagers "were at ease" knowing they were safe."

What is a similar phrase to "were at ease"?

Alternatives to "were at ease" include "felt comfortable", "were relaxed", or "were comfortable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was at ease" instead of "were at ease"?

No, "was at ease" would be used for a singular subject, while "were at ease" is used for plural subjects or with 'you'. For example, "He was at ease" versus "They "were at ease"."

What's the difference between "were at ease" and "felt at ease"?

"Were at ease" describes a state of being, while "felt at ease" describes the sensation or feeling of being comfortable. You might say "They "were at ease" after the deal was closed because they felt at ease with the terms."