were jealous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were jealous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a past state of envy or resentment felt by one or more individuals towards someone or something. Example: "When she received the promotion, her colleagues were jealous of her success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They were jealous".

The New Yorker

Some people were jealous".

The New York Times

I think they were jealous".

The Guardian - Music

They were jealous, they were.

The New Yorker

She said they were jealous or insecure.

The New York Times - Sports

They were jealous, fighting all the time.

The New York Times

"I think they were jealous of her".

The Guardian - Books

"His neighbors were jealous," Mrs. St. Fleurant said.

The New York Times

"And I'm sure other people were jealous," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I'm jealous.

The New York Times

He's jealous".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more nuanced synonyms like "resentful" or "envious" if they more accurately capture the specific emotion being conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "were jealous" as a blanket explanation for complex interpersonal dynamics. Over-reliance on this simple phrase can obscure deeper motivations and misunderstandings. Instead, explore underlying issues such as insecurity, power imbalances, or miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were jealous" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of being for a subject in the past. It indicates that the subject experienced feelings of envy or resentment. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples demonstrating its use in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were jealous" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that individuals experienced envy or resentment in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is descriptive, conveying a state of being. The phrase is versatile, fitting comfortably in news reports, casual conversations, and analytical contexts, although synonyms might add nuance in specific situations. While the emotional charge is typically negative, the expression is straightforward and generally neutral in tone. Ludwig's examples show this phrase is very frequent in "News & Media".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

felt envy

Replaces "were jealous" with a more direct expression of envy, focusing on the feeling itself.

felt envious

Similar to "felt envy", but uses the adjective form of the word.

harbored jealousy

Indicates a prolonged or suppressed feeling of jealousy.

resented their success

Specifically focuses on resenting someone's achievements.

were green with envy

Uses an idiom to express strong envy.

felt resentful

Emphasizes the feeling of injustice or bitterness.

were covetous

Highlights a desire for something belonging to another.

viewed with suspicion

Shifts the focus to mistrust and doubt.

felt threatened

Suggests a feeling of insecurity due to another's position or abilities.

had misgivings

Expresses a general sense of unease or doubt, which might stem from jealousy.

FAQs

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

You can use "were jealous" to describe a past state of envy or resentment, such as "The other students "were jealous of" her high grades" or "They "were jealous because" we had better equipment".

What can I say instead of "were jealous"?

Alternatives include "felt envious", "resented their success", or "were green with envy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to say someone "were jealous"?

Yes, the phrase "were jealous" typically carries a negative connotation, as jealousy is generally viewed as an undesirable emotion. However, the context can sometimes soften the judgment. For example, saying "They "were jealous of" our success, but it motivated them to work harder" suggests a positive outcome from that initial jealousy.

What's the difference between "were jealous" and "were envious"?

While both describe feelings of discontent toward someone else's advantages, "jealous" often implies a fear of losing something you already have, while "envious" focuses more on desiring something someone else possesses. In many contexts, the terms are used interchangeably, but "envious" can sometimes be seen as a milder term.