were ecstatic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were ecstatic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of extreme happiness or excitement experienced by a group of people in the past. Example: "After hearing the news of their victory, the fans were ecstatic, celebrating in the streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Chocolate lovers were ecstatic.

The New York Times

The Spearses were ecstatic.

The New Yorker

Her parents were ecstatic.

The Economist

Audiences were ecstatic.

The New York Times

They were ecstatic.

Independent

His fans were ecstatic.

The New York Times

Archaeologists were ecstatic.

The New York Times - Books

The reviews were ecstatic.

The Guardian

Ukrainian politicians were ecstatic.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I was ecstatic.

Columbia University

Nile was ecstatic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were ecstatic" to describe a group's overwhelming joy or excitement in response to a specific event or news. For variety, consider synonyms like "overjoyed" or "thrilled" depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "were ecstatic" in situations where a more subdued expression of happiness is suitable. Overusing it can diminish its impact, so reserve it for moments of genuine, intense joy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were ecstatic" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (usually a group of people) to indicate their emotional state, conveying a feeling of extreme happiness or joy, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples of audiences or fans being "were ecstatic".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were ecstatic" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote extreme happiness or joy within a group. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a descriptive adjective phrase and is commonly found in News & Media contexts. While acceptable in many situations, it’s important to consider the tone and avoid overuse. For variety, synonyms like "were overjoyed" or "were thrilled" can be used. Ludwig's examples show that "were ecstatic" is a reliable way to convey intense positive emotions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were overjoyed

Uses a different word to convey intense happiness.

were thrilled

Replaces "ecstatic" with a more common synonym for excitement.

were delighted

Expresses a high degree of pleasure and satisfaction.

were in raptures

Implies a state of intense joy and emotional uplift.

were elated

Indicates a feeling of great happiness and exhilaration.

were jubilant

Conveys triumphant joy and celebration.

were on cloud nine

Idiomatic expression for extreme happiness.

were walking on air

Another idiomatic way of saying they felt extremely happy.

were floating on air

Similar to walking on air, indicating lighthearted joy.

were as happy as could be

Emphasizes the completeness of their happiness.

FAQs

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

You can use "were ecstatic" to describe a group of people experiencing overwhelming joy. For example: "The fans "were ecstatic" after their team won the championship."

What can I say instead of "were ecstatic"?

Alternatives include "were overjoyed", "were thrilled", or "were delighted", depending on the level of intensity you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "were ecstatic" in formal writing?

While "were ecstatic" is generally acceptable, consider the tone of your writing. In some formal contexts, less emotive alternatives like "were very pleased" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "were ecstatic" and "were happy"?

"Were happy" is a general expression of contentment. "Were ecstatic" implies a much stronger, more intense feeling of joy and excitement.