were listless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were listless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of inactivity or lack of energy, often in reference to people or animals. Example: "After hours of waiting, the children were listless, showing no interest in playing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Were listless.

The Guardian - Sport

The beans were listless.

The New York Times - Food

Indeed, the Mets were listless.

The New York Times - Sports

The children, in rags, were listless.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But too often here the orchestra chords that buttress the vocal lines were listless.

The New York Times - Arts

This time, the Colts came out in a conventional offense and were listless.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Our waitress was listless.

The New York Times

His days here are listless.

The Guardian

The Orioles draw big crowds, but the atmosphere is listless.

The New York Times - Sports

The Hawks had been listless for nearly a decade.

The New York Times - Sports

The initial debate between Eck and Carlstadt covered extensive theological ground but was listless.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were listless", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects a lack of energy, enthusiasm, or liveliness. This phrase works well to describe groups or individuals who are underperforming or showing signs of fatigue or disinterest.

Common error

Avoid using "were listless" to describe situations that require a stronger negative connotation. For example, if someone is actively sabotaging efforts, "were listless" doesn't capture the severity of the action; use stronger terms like "were destructive" or "were undermining" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were listless" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a plural noun or pronoun. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes a state of lacking energy, enthusiasm, or liveliness. Examples include "The children were listless" and "The protesters were listless."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were listless" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase that describes a lack of energy, enthusiasm, or liveliness. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples from diverse sources. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Sports contexts, maintaining a neutral register. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning and consider alternative phrases like "lacked energy" or "appeared apathetic" for nuanced expression. The high source quality and expert rating further validate its proper usage in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacked energy

Focuses on the absence of energy, a core component of listlessness.

showed no enthusiasm

Emphasizes the absence of excitement or interest.

appeared apathetic

Highlights indifference and lack of concern.

seemed lethargic

Focuses on slowness and inactivity.

were without vigor

Emphasizes the lack of vitality and strength.

displayed inertia

Highlights the lack of movement or motivation to change.

were passive

Focuses on the lack of active participation or response.

felt spiritless

Emphasizes a lack of emotional or mental liveliness.

had no drive

Highlights the absence of motivation or ambition.

were inactive

Focuses on the absence of physical activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "were listless" to describe a group's lack of energy or enthusiasm. For example, "The team "were listless" during the first half of the game".

What's a good alternative to "were listless"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "lacked energy", "appeared apathetic", or "seemed lethargic" can be used instead of "were listless".

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

No, "was listless" is for singular subjects, while "were listless" is for plural subjects. For example, "He was listless" (singular) vs. "They "were listless"" (plural).

What does it mean to say someone "were listless"?

Saying someone ""were listless"" means they lacked energy, enthusiasm, or interest in what was happening around them. It suggests a state of inactivity or apathy.