were slim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were slim" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a past state or condition where something was thin or narrow. Example: "The chances of success were slim, but we decided to take the risk anyway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The pickings were slim.

The New York Times

Elsewhere, the pickings were slim.

The Guardian - Film

But the proceeds were slim.

The New York Times

His jeans were slim and sharp.

The New York Times

But after that, the pickings were slim.

The New York Times - Arts

Pickings were slim at local stores.

The New York Times

There were slim hopes of survivors.

The Guardian

Her medal chances, which were slim anyhow, have now ended.

The Guardian - Sport

Although profits were slim, he became obsessed with broadcasting.

The New Yorker

His chances of making it, he was told, were slim.

The Guardian - Sport

Even Miller must have known her chances were slim.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical appearance, consider the connotations of "slim"—it often implies attractiveness and health. For less positive connotations, use alternatives such as "thin" or "underweight".

Common error

Avoid using "were slim" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language may be required. For instance, instead of saying "the margins were slim" in a financial report, opt for "the margins were narrow" or "the margins were reduced".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were slim" functions as a linking verb ("were") followed by an adjective ("slim"). According to Ludwig AI, it connects the subject of a sentence to a description of its state or condition. The examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in describing chances, opportunities, physical attributes, and resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were slim" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys a sense of limitation or low probability. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to link a subject to a description of its state, whether referring to physical attributes, opportunities, or chances. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various forms of communication. When using "were slim", consider the subtle connotations it carries and ensure it aligns with your intended message. Alternatives such as "were minimal" or "were slight" may offer a more precise nuance in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were minimal

Emphasizes the small quantity or degree, focusing on the insignificance of something.

were slight

Highlights the lack of importance, size or strength. Slightly more formal.

were meager

Emphasizes the inadequacy or insufficiency of something, often in terms of resources or provisions.

were limited

Focuses on the restricted quantity or availability of something.

were scant

Stresses the deficiency or sparseness of something, often implying a lack of abundance.

were few

Indicates a small number of items or instances, emphasizing the lack of quantity.

were unlikely

Focuses on the low probability or improbability of a particular outcome.

were reduced

Highlights the decrease or lessening of something, often implying a decline in size or amount.

were narrow

Emphasizes the limited scope or extent of something, often implying a restriction or constraint.

were thin

Describes a lack of substance, density, or fullness, often implying weakness or fragility.

FAQs

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

You can use "were slim" to describe limited opportunities, such as "The chances of getting the promotion "were slim" because of budget cuts" or to describe the build of someone, such as "They "were slim" but not underweight".

What does it mean when someone says chances "were slim"?

When someone says chances "were slim", it means that the possibility of success was very low or unlikely.

What are some alternatives to saying opportunities "were slim"?

Alternatives include saying opportunities "were limited", "were scarce" or "were few". All of them describe that there weren't many opportunities.

Is it correct to say the pickings "were slim"?

Yes, it is correct. It means the available options or choices "were slim", implying a limited or poor selection.