were real

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were real" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something existed or was true in the past. Example: "The stories he told about his adventures were real, not just figments of his imagination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These were real people.

The New York Times

Poets were real people.

The Economist

"There were real emergencies".

The New York Times

The bullets were real.

The New York Times

But they were real.

The New York Times - Books

None were real.

The New York Times

Those hopes were real.

The Guardian - Books

"They were real heroes".

The New York Times

Those sufferings were real.

The New York Times - Books

There were real assets.

The Guardian

Both Kings were real.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were real" to emphasize the authenticity or genuine nature of something, distinguishing it from what is fake, imagined, or artificial. For example, "The emotions displayed in the play were real, not just acting."

Common error

Avoid using "were real" in overly casual or informal settings where simpler alternatives like "happened" or "existed" would suffice. This maintains clarity and avoids sounding overly emphatic or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were real" functions as a predicative adjective, modifying the subject of a sentence to assert the genuine or authentic nature of something. Ludwig examples show it describes people, events, feelings, and objects to distinguish them from the fake or imagined.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were real" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that asserts the authenticity or genuine existence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, where it serves to distinguish facts from fiction. While versatile, it's best employed when emphasizing genuineness is crucial, and simpler alternatives might suffice in more informal settings. Remember, the choice between "were real" and alternatives like "actually existed" depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actually existed

Focuses on the fact of existence rather than the quality of being genuine.

truly happened

Emphasizes the occurrence or taking place of something in reality.

genuinely occurred

Combines the ideas of authenticity and factual occurrence.

were authentic

Highlights the absence of falseness or imitation.

were legitimate

Indicates that something was in accordance with the law or rules.

were factual

Stresses that something is based on or contains facts.

were veridical

Highlights truthfulness and accuracy, often in a philosophical context.

held substance

Emphasizes the importance and validity behind something.

carried weight

Highlights significance and influence.

were tangible

Emphasizes that something is perceptible by touch and therefore real.

FAQs

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

You can use "were real" to emphasize that something was not fake, imagined, or artificial. For example, "The dangers they faced "were real", and they knew it."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "were real"?

Alternatives include "actually existed", "truly happened", or "were authentic" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "were real" in formal writing?

Yes, "were real" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when you need to stress the genuineness or actuality of something. For example, "The financial implications of the decision "were real" and significant."

What is the difference between "were real" and "were true"?

"Were real" emphasizes existence and authenticity, while "were true" emphasizes factual accuracy. You'd use "were real" to talk about events or objects, and "were true" to talk about statements or beliefs. For example, "The artifacts discovered "were real"," but "The rumors circulating "were true"."