were thus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'were thus' is correct and usable in written English.
It is most commonly used when referring to a previous event or situation and what followed as a result. For example: The guidelines were clear, but many people were still confused, and the instructions were thus repeated several times.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Essien's United days were thus limited.

The Guardian - Sport

The two men were thus reconciled.

The Guardian

Many pre-Islamic customs were thus justified.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Theological and political considerations were thus combined.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Democrats were thus deprived of powerful videotape.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Five of 21 subjects were thus excluded.

Nature

Vernacular Scriptures were thus late in developing.

Britannica

Twenty derivatives were thus synthesized.

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

The 'stars' were thus prominently displayed in promotional materials.

The Guardian

They were thus ineligible to vote in the leadership election.

The Guardian

His cartoon personae were thus the opposite of self-invention.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were thus" to clearly and concisely indicate a consequence or result of a preceding action or condition, maintaining a formal and logical tone in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "were thus" in casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "so" or "therefore" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were thus" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating a consequence or result. It links a previous action or condition to its logical outcome. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating this usage, confirming its role in establishing causality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

23%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were thus" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a consequence or result. According to Ludwig, it is best suited for formal, scientific, and academic writing, where its precise and logical tone is most effective. While "were thus" is not incorrect in other contexts, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for informal communication. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its role in establishing causality and connecting ideas in a clear and concise manner. Remember to consider the context and audience when choosing between "were thus" and its many alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were therefore

Indicates a direct consequence or logical conclusion, similar to "were thus" but may sound slightly more formal.

were consequently

Emphasizes that something happened as a result of a preceding action or event, sharing the sense of causation with "were thus".

were hence

Similar to "were thus" in indicating a result or conclusion, but it is less commonly used in contemporary English and can sound somewhat archaic.

were accordingly

Implies that an action was taken in response to a specific set of circumstances or rules, adding a layer of appropriateness or conformity not always present in "were thus".

were thereby

Highlights the means by which a result was achieved, focusing on the instrumental aspect of the preceding action, which "were thus" does not explicitly emphasize.

were in this way

Describes the manner in which something was done, shifting the focus from consequence to the method of execution.

were as a result

Directly states that something is a consequence of a prior event, providing a more explicit causal link compared to the concise "were thus".

were for this reason

Introduces a specific reason for a subsequent action or state, clarifying the motivation behind what followed.

were on that account

Explains that something occurred because of a particular consideration or circumstance, adding a specific condition not inherently present in "were thus".

were under those circumstances

Specifies that actions or events occurred because of existing conditions, highlighting the situational context more than the direct consequential meaning of "were thus".

FAQs

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

Use "were thus" to show a direct consequence or result of a previous action or state. For example, "The rules were not followed; actions "were thus" deemed invalid."

What are some alternatives to "were thus"?

Alternatives include "were therefore", "were consequently", or "were accordingly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "were thus" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "were thus" is generally more suited for formal or academic writing. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives such as "so" or "as a result".

What is the difference between "were thus" and "were thereby"?

"Were thus" indicates a general consequence, while "were thereby" specifies the means by which a result was achieved. "The process was completed, and the objectives "were thus" met" vs. "The new law was enacted, and reforms "were thereby" enabled".