were unanimous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were unanimous" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a group of people who all agree on something. Example: The members of the committee were unanimous in their decision to approve the new policy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both were unanimous selections.

The New York Times

All three decisions were unanimous.

The New York Times

They were unanimous in their outrage.

The New York Times

Both were unanimous, and both were insignificant.

The New York Times

The polls were unanimous in this respect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our judges were unanimous in awarding Catherine first prize.

The Guardian - Books

The official observers were unanimous in their praise.

The Guardian

But the critics were unanimous in falling for Gielgud.

The Guardian

Six of the reversals were unanimous, which is not.

The New York Times

The desperate courtiers were unanimous: the flag must go up.

The New Yorker

But the justices were unanimous in significant cases, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context clearly defines the group that is "unanimous" and the subject of their agreement. Avoid ambiguity by specifying who agreed on what.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "were unanimous" implies agreement on all aspects of a situation. Be precise about the specific issue on which the agreement was reached to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were unanimous" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state of a subject (e.g., a group of people) as being in complete agreement. Ludwig AI's examples showcase its use in various contexts to indicate a shared opinion or decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were unanimous" is a powerful way to express complete agreement within a group. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. As highlighted by the numerous examples, it is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While alternative phrases exist, such as "were in complete agreement" or "reached a consensus", "were unanimous" provides a concise and clear indication of a unified stance. Remember to specify the subject of the agreement to avoid ambiguity and prevent misinterpretations. By avoiding redundancy, such as saying "completely unanimous", and understanding its specific meaning, you can effectively and accurately use the phrase "were unanimous" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were in complete agreement

This alternative replaces "unanimous" with a more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the complete agreement among a group.

were of one mind

This phrase suggests that the group shared the same thoughts or opinions, implying unity in their decision.

were in full accord

Similar to "complete agreement", this phrase highlights the harmony and consensus within the group.

reached a consensus

This focuses on the process of arriving at a unanimous decision, rather than the state of being unanimous.

were undivided in their opinion

This alternative stresses the absence of dissent or differing viewpoints within the group.

were as one

This phrase evokes a strong sense of unity and shared purpose among the individuals involved.

were united in their decision

This highlights the unified action or choice made by the group, emphasizing solidarity.

were all in agreement

A simple and direct way of expressing unanimity, suitable for informal contexts.

saw eye to eye

This idiomatic expression indicates that the individuals shared the same perspective or viewpoint.

were consentient

A more formal and less common synonym for "unanimous", emphasizing mutual agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "were unanimous" to describe a situation where everyone agrees on something. For example: "The jury "were unanimous" in their verdict."

What can I say instead of "were unanimous"?

You can use alternatives like "were in complete agreement", "were of one mind", or "reached a consensus" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "completely unanimous"?

Yes, it is redundant. The word "unanimous" already implies completeness, so adding "completely" doesn't add any value.

What's the difference between "were unanimous" and "were in agreement"?

"Were unanimous" implies that everyone agreed without any dissent. "Were in agreement" suggests that a majority agreed, but there might have been some dissenting opinions. The alternative "were in agreement" doesn't necessarily imply 100% agreement.