were thrilled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were thrilled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express excitement or happiness about something that has happened in the past. Example: "The team were thrilled to receive the news of their victory in the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Traditionalists were thrilled.

The Economist

AIDS activists were thrilled.

The New York Times

"People were thrilled".

The New Yorker

We were thrilled.

The New York Times - Health

Environmentalists, though, were thrilled.

The New York Times

Civil-libertarians were thrilled.

The Economist

They were thrilled.

The New York Times

Local Greens were thrilled.

The New York Times - Magazine

The boys were thrilled.

The Guardian

Critics were thrilled.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her parents were thrilled.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were thrilled" to convey genuine excitement or pleasure about a past event or outcome. Consider the context and audience to ensure the level of enthusiasm is appropriate.

Common error

While "were thrilled" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced expressions of satisfaction or approval to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were thrilled" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, indicating a state of happiness or excitement experienced by a subject in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

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 thrilled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying happiness and excitement about something that occurred in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage, primarily within news and media contexts. While highly versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the context, as more nuanced expressions of satisfaction might be preferred in academic or business writing. Alternatives like "were delighted" or "were overjoyed" can offer similar sentiments with slightly different connotations. Remember to use "were thrilled" to authentically express joy and enthusiasm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were delighted

Expresses a high degree of pleasure and satisfaction, similar to "were thrilled" but with a slightly more formal tone.

were overjoyed

Indicates extreme happiness, even stronger than "were thrilled".

were elated

Suggests a feeling of great happiness and exhilaration, often due to a specific event or achievement.

were ecstatic

Indicates an overwhelming feeling of happiness or joy.

were very pleased

A more understated way of expressing happiness and satisfaction.

were on cloud nine

An idiomatic expression indicating a state of perfect happiness.

were walking on air

Similar to "were on cloud nine", conveys a feeling of lightness and happiness.

were jubilant

Indicates a feeling of great triumph and celebration.

were captivated

Implies being fascinated and delighted, often by something seen or experienced.

were greatly satisfied

A formal way of expressing contentment and pleasure with a particular outcome or situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "were thrilled" to express excitement about something that happened in the past. For example, "We were thrilled to receive the award".

What can I say instead of "were thrilled"?

You can use alternatives like "were delighted", "were overjoyed", or "were ecstatic" depending on the context.

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

While generally acceptable, "were thrilled" might be too informal for highly formal contexts. Consider using more subdued expressions of satisfaction, such as "were very pleased".

What's the difference between "were thrilled" and "were excited"?

"Were thrilled" implies a higher degree of excitement and pleasure than "were excited". "Were excited" is a more general term, while "were thrilled" suggests a more intense positive emotion.