were lean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were lean" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being thin or having little body fat, often in reference to animals or people in a past context. Example: "In their youth, the athletes were lean and agile, showcasing their physical prowess."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

These were lean times.

The New Yorker

They were lean, tall, sinewy.

The New York Times

Some were lean and sporty.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The early years in Suffolk County were lean.

The New York Times

His features were lean, his cheeks even a little sunken.

The New Yorker

Until recently, most German pinot noirs were lean and pale.

The New York Times - Food

The women were lean and weathered, no chemical peels in evidence.

The New York Times

After the sitcom disaster, the post-Grease years were lean by any standards.

The Guardian - Film

Games and series have their own personalities, and these were lean and exigent above all.

The New Yorker

Those were lean and dire days, but the country didn't give up on its schools.

The New York Times

The drummer was white, but the rest of the players were lean, young black men.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a period of hardship or scarcity, "were lean" effectively conveys the lack of abundance. Use it to paint a vivid picture of resource constraints or economic difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "were lean" solely to describe physical appearance if the intent is simply to convey thinness. While accurate, it can sometimes imply a negative connotation of undernourishment or deprivation, which might not be the intended message. Consider alternatives like "were slender" or "were trim" for purely aesthetic descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were lean" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of being thin, lacking fat, or experiencing scarcity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were lean" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively describes a past state of thinness, scarcity, or efficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its applicability spans diverse contexts, particularly in news and scientific reporting, though careful consideration of connotation is essential. When describing people, be mindful that "were lean" can sometimes imply undernourishment; alternatives like "were slender" or "were trim" might be more appropriate in certain contexts. Whether detailing physical attributes or economic conditions, "were lean" serves as a powerful descriptor when used thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were thin

A more general term for lacking flesh or substance.

were slender

Emphasizes a graceful and elegant thinness.

were trim

Suggests a neat and well-maintained thinness, often related to fitness.

were spare

Implies a lack of excess, suggesting leanness in resources or physique.

were underweight

A clinical term indicating a body weight below the healthy range.

were gaunt

Indicates a severe thinness, often due to illness or hardship.

were efficient

Focuses on achieving maximum productivity with minimal waste, aligning with the 'lean' concept.

were meager

Describes a scarcity or lack of abundance, similar to 'lean' times.

were economical

Highlights efficiency and lack of waste, similar to a 'lean' operation.

were impoverished

Emphasizes a state of being poor and lacking resources, like 'lean' years.

FAQs

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

You can use "were lean" to describe a past state of being thin or lacking resources. For example, "The athletes "were lean" and agile in their youth", or "The early years of the company "were lean", but they persevered".

What is a good alternative to "were lean" when describing a person's physique?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "were slender", "were thin", or "were trim". These options may offer a more neutral or positive connotation compared to "were lean".

When is it appropriate to use "were lean" to describe a period of time?

"Were lean" is appropriate when describing a period characterized by scarcity, hardship, or a lack of resources. For instance, "The depression years "were lean" for many families".

Is there a difference between saying "were lean" and "were skinny"?

While both describe a lack of body fat, "were lean" often implies a more athletic or healthy thinness, whereas "were skinny" can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being underweight or unhealthy. Context is crucial in determining the most appropriate term.