were relevant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were relevant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that was applicable or significant in a past context. Example: "The findings from the previous study were relevant to our current research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I thought those things were relevant".

The New York Times

Few were relevant to the position.

Harvard Business Review

We asked which were relevant to this mission.

The Guardian

Finances of a different kind were relevant, however.

The Guardian - Sport

He acknowledged the RBA's concerns about negative gearing and capital gains tax were relevant in 2014.

The Guardian

He just didn't think guitar bands were "relevant" anymore, he told the other band members.

The New York Times - Magazine

Liberals were relevant when there was a giant cause to fight for -- civil rights.

The New York Times - Arts

He watched how consumers behave and crafted his advertisements so that they were relevant to them.

The Guardian

But they believed that those issues were relevant to their field.

The New York Times - Science

"But they expressed views in public which were relevant to the business before the committee".

The Guardian

Google's AdWords engine was supposed to serve up ads that were relevant to your search terms.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were relevant", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the subject is relevant to. Lack of clarity can lead to ambiguity and weaken your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "were relevant" without specifying why something was relevant. Instead of saying "Those facts were relevant", clarify with "Those facts were relevant to understanding the patient's medical history".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were relevant" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a plural noun or pronoun to describe its state of being related, connected, or pertinent to a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were relevant" is grammatically correct and very commonly used to express that something was related, connected, or pertinent to a particular subject in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and finds usage across multiple contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific publications, holding a neutral tone suitable for formal and professional environments. To ensure clear communication, it is best practice to specify what the subject "were relevant" to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were applicable

Emphasizes the direct applicability of something to a particular situation or case. It focuses on whether something can be used or applied effectively.

were pertinent

Highlights the direct relevance and importance of something to a specific topic or matter, suggesting it's crucial for understanding or addressing it.

were germane

Stresses the close and logical connection of something to the matter at hand, indicating that it's naturally related and appropriate.

were appropriate

Focuses on the suitability and fitness of something for a particular purpose or circumstance, suggesting it's the right choice.

were significant

Emphasizes the importance and consequence of something, indicating it has a notable impact or effect.

were important

Indicates that something carries considerable weight or value, meriting attention and consideration.

were material

Highlights that something is substantial and consequential, having a significant impact on the outcome.

were related

Simply states that something is connected or associated with the subject, without necessarily implying importance or significance.

held relevance

Emphasizes that something maintained its importance or applicability over a period of time.

bore relevance

Highlights that something contained or exhibited relevance to the issue under discussion.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were relevant" indicates that something was related, connected, or pertinent to a topic in the past. For example: "The details of the previous case "were relevant" to the current trial."

What are some alternatives to saying "were relevant"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "were applicable", "were pertinent", or "were germane" to convey a similar meaning.

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

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "was relevant" with singular subjects (e.g., "The document was relevant") and "were relevant" with plural subjects (e.g., "The documents "were relevant"").

What's the difference between "were relevant" and "are relevant"?

"Were relevant" refers to something that was important or applicable in the past, while "are relevant" refers to something that is currently important or applicable. The choice depends on the timeframe you are discussing.