were slender

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were slender" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that had a slim or thin appearance in the past. Example: "The trees in the forest were slender, their tall trunks reaching high into the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The first three fingers were slender, clawed, clutching structures.

Britannica

They were slender and pale, with dark, floppy hair.

The New York Times

About half a billion years ago, our ancestors were slender, jawless, fishlike creatures.

The New York Times - Science

The girls were slender, and half of them barely came up to Haugen's waist.

The New Yorker

The teeth of Planohybodus, in contrast, were slender and pointed the sort usually associated with grasping and tearing at flesh.

The Economist

He has sold hardware businesses where profits were slender and growth prospects were limited, like its hard disk drive business, which was sold to Hitachi.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Hanukkah candles are slender.

The New York Times

But the safeguards are slender.

The Economist

The fingers are slender.

The New Yorker

Bluegrasses are slender annuals or perennials.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She was slender and ethereal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were slender" to describe the past physical attributes or characteristics of objects, animals, or people, emphasizing a graceful or refined thinness.

Common error

Avoid using "were slender" to describe present-day attributes. Instead, use "are slender" for contemporary descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were slender" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something was thin or slim in the past. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage across various contexts, from describing physical attributes to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

17%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were slender" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe something that was thin or slim in the past. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. The phrase functions as a descriptive adjective and carries a neutral tone. When using "were slender", remember to use it in the past tense and to replace it with more appropriate synonyms such as "were thin" or "were slim" if the context requires a slightly different nuance. Ultimately, Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides ample examples of its effective use across diverse domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were thin

Direct synonym, focusing on the lack of width or thickness.

were slim

Implies an attractive thinness, often associated with elegance.

were slight

Suggests a delicate or frail thinness.

were lean

Describes a healthy thinness, often associated with fitness or lack of fat.

had a slim figure

Focuses on the overall shape and appearance of a body.

had a thin build

Emphasizes the structure or frame of the body.

were lithe

Implies a graceful and flexible thinness.

were willowy

Suggests a tall and slender figure, reminiscent of a willow tree.

were svelte

Indicates an elegant and stylish slenderness.

were delicate

Highlights a refined and fragile thinness.

FAQs

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

Use "were slender" to describe something that had a slim or thin appearance in the past. For example, "The trees in the forest "were slender", their tall trunks reaching high into the sky."

What are some alternatives to "were slender"?

Alternatives include "were thin", "were slim", or "were slight", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

The choice depends on the tense. "Are slender" describes a present state, while ""were slender"" describes a past state. Use the tense that matches the time frame you're discussing.

What's the difference between "were slender" and "were skinny"?

"Were slender" often implies a graceful or refined thinness, while "were skinny" can suggest an unhealthy or unattractive thinness. The best choice depends on the context and the impression you want to create.