were obsolete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were obsolete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was no longer in use or relevant in the past. Example: "Many technologies from the early 2000s were obsolete by the time the new decade began."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But those plants were obsolete.

The New York Times

But niceties like that were obsolete.

The New York Times

The marketing hook was that meals were obsolete.

The New Yorker

"Most of them were obsolete computer manuals written in English.

The New York Times

Tellem told The San Francisco Chronicle those negotiations were obsolete.

The New York Times - Sports

But the union hedged because water experts said such schemes were obsolete and inefficient.

The New York Times

Superskyscrapers were obsolete long before Sept. 11, as outmoded as tail fins on cars.

The New York Times

Mr. Hirsch said the current regulations were obsolete long before Sept. 11.

The New York Times

Cuba's government said they were "obsolete defensive weapons" being sent for repair.

The Economist

On the other hand, he omitted laws that were obsolete or otherwise lacking in authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In reassessing the modern car, BMW concluded that things like the ignition key and floor shifter were obsolete.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the reason something "were obsolete", provide specific context about what replaced it or why it became irrelevant. For example: "These tactics were obsolete, replaced by more sophisticated strategies."

Common error

Avoid using "were obsolete" without explaining why something became obsolete. Simply stating that something was obsolete can leave the reader wondering what superseded it or what led to its disuse. Add specifics to improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were obsolete" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a noun in the past. It indicates that the noun was no longer in use or relevant. Ludwig shows its function in examples like "those plants were obsolete" or "the current regulations were obsolete".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

13%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were obsolete" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating that something was no longer in use or relevant in the past. According to Ludwig, this phrase commonly appears in News & Media, Wiki and Scientific contexts. When using "were obsolete", provide context about what replaced the subject or why it became irrelevant for better clarity. Alternatives include "had become outdated" or "were no longer in use". Given its correctness and common usage, "were obsolete" is a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had become outdated

Replaces "were obsolete" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the state of being out of date.

were no longer in use

Explains the state of being obsolete by stating the absence of usage.

were out of date

Similar to "had become outdated", emphasizes the dated nature.

had fallen into disuse

Highlights the process of something becoming no longer used.

were superseded

Indicates replacement by something newer or better.

were antiquated

Focuses on the old-fashioned character of something obsolete.

were a thing of the past

More idiomatic way of saying something is no longer relevant or current.

were outmoded

Emphasizes the lack of modernity.

were surpassed

Suggests having been outdone or exceeded.

were discontinued

Focuses on the cessation of production or use.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were obsolete" is used to indicate that something was no longer in use or relevant at a particular time in the past. For example, "Many technologies from the early 2000s "were obsolete" by the time the new decade began."

What's the difference between "were obsolete" and "were outdated"?

While both phrases mean something is no longer current, "were obsolete" often implies a complete replacement or cessation of use, whereas "were outdated" suggests something is simply less effective or modern but may still be in use.

What can I say instead of "were obsolete"?

You can use alternatives like "had become outdated", "were no longer in use", or "were out of date" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "became obsolete" instead of "were obsolete"?

Yes, "became obsolete" is a perfectly valid alternative. "Were obsolete" describes a state of being, while "became obsolete" describes the transition into that state.