were popular

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were popular" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was well-liked or widely accepted in the past. Example: "In the 1990s, boy bands were popular among teenagers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Both were popular and beautiful).

The New York Times

"You were popular," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Wrapped gifts were popular.

The New York Times

Burgers were popular.

The New York Times

They were popular!

The New York Times

Bosch's paintings, however, were popular.

The New York Times - Arts

"We were popular there, too".

The New York Times - Arts

Both were popular with supporters.

The Guardian - Sport

Soups were popular starters on blustery nights.

The New York Times

Disguises and masquerades were popular.

The New York Times

Fatigue and weariness were popular.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or historical preferences, use "were popular" to accurately reflect widespread acceptance or adoption during a specific period.

Common error

Ensure the subject is no longer in its peak popularity before using "were popular". For current trends, consider phrases like "are trending" or "are gaining popularity" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were popular" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of being in the past, specifically denoting that something enjoyed widespread favor or acceptance. It is used to describe trends, preferences, or entities that had significant appeal during a particular period, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were popular" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe past trends, preferences, or widespread acceptance. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, and its prevalence in news and media sources highlights its role in objective reporting. While suitable for various contexts, it's crucial to use it accurately to reflect historical conditions and avoid applying it to current trends. Alternative phrases like "became widespread" or "were well-liked" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were well-liked

Focuses on the positive reception and affection towards something.

became widespread

Emphasizes the extent of the distribution or prevalence.

were favored

Suggests a preference or selection over other options.

became prevalent

Similar to "widespread" but emphasizes the common occurrence.

gained traction

Focuses on the increasing acceptance or adoption of something.

were commonly used

Focuses on the frequency of use or application.

were in vogue

Highlights the fashionable or trendy aspect of being popular.

were all the rage

Implies a high level of enthusiasm and trendiness.

were highly regarded

Emphasizes the respect and esteem attributed to something.

achieved prominence

Highlights the attainment of a high profile or visibility.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were popular" is used to describe something that was well-liked or widely accepted in the past. For example, "In the 1990s, boy bands "were popular" among teenagers."

What's a good alternative to using "were popular"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "became widespread", "were well-liked", or "gained traction".

Is it correct to say "are popular" instead of "were popular"?

The choice between "are popular" and "were popular" depends on the timeframe. Use "are popular" for current trends and "were popular" for past trends.

What's the difference between "were popular" and "were fashionable"?

"Were fashionable" specifically implies that something was trendy or stylish, while "were popular" has a broader meaning, indicating general liking or acceptance.