were very enthusiastic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were very enthusiastic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a group of people who showed a high level of excitement or eagerness about something in the past. Example: "The students were very enthusiastic about the upcoming field trip, eagerly discussing their plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many writers were very enthusiastic about communism" at the time.

The Washington Post

But people were very enthusiastic and not cynical at all.

The New York Times

"The reports from last year were very enthusiastic," he says.

The Economist

They were very enthusiastic and that was really refreshing".

The New York Times

But investors were very enthusiastic about the prospects for MDV3100.

The New York Times

In those days, people were very enthusiastic about their college".

The New Yorker

"Operators were very enthusiastic a couple years ago.

The New York Times

Prakash said that Davis Center devotees were very enthusiastic about the idea of studying fear.

Princeton University

Mr. Guenther said that retailers were "very enthusiastic" about Polaroid's new films and cameras.

The New York Times

It looked great, and the guys behind it were very enthusiastic," he says.

The Guardian

"Members of the local community were very enthusiastic about our  visit," he said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were very enthusiastic" to describe a group's positive reaction or eagerness towards an idea, event, or opportunity. Ensure the subject clearly identifies the group being described.

Common error

Avoid using "were very enthusiastic" with singular subjects. The verb "were" is plural; use "was very enthusiastic" for a single person or entity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were very enthusiastic" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a plural subject. It indicates a state of eagerness, excitement, or strong positive interest displayed by a group of people. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were very enthusiastic" is a grammatically correct and widely used adjective phrase to describe a group's strong positive sentiment. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and appropriate for describing past excitement or eagerness. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, but also finds use in academic and scientific writing. For contexts requiring a more or less intense expression of enthusiasm, alternatives such as "were extremely enthusiastic" or "were quite enthusiastic" can be used. Remember to maintain subject-verb agreement by using "was" for singular subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were extremely enthusiastic

Indicates a higher degree of enthusiasm.

were really enthusiastic

Emphasizes the enthusiasm in a more informal way.

were quite enthusiastic

Suggests a slightly more moderate level of enthusiasm.

were passionate

Implies a deep and intense enthusiasm.

showed great enthusiasm

Focuses on the display of enthusiasm.

expressed considerable excitement

Uses "excitement" as a synonym for enthusiasm.

were highly motivated

Highlights the drive and eagerness.

were eager

Simplifies the phrase to its core meaning.

were thrilled

Emphasizes the joy and excitement felt.

were deeply interested

Focuses on the level of interest and engagement.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "were very enthusiastic"?

You can use alternatives like "were extremely enthusiastic", "were really enthusiastic", or "showed great enthusiasm" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was very enthusiastic"?

Yes, "was very enthusiastic" is correct when referring to a singular subject, while "were very enthusiastic" is used for plural subjects. For example, "He was very enthusiastic about the project".

How can I emphasize the degree of enthusiasm beyond "were very enthusiastic"?

To show an even stronger feeling, try phrases such as "were extremely enthusiastic" or "were passionate". These convey a more intense level of excitement and commitment.

What is the difference between "were enthusiastic" and "were very enthusiastic"?

Adding "very" intensifies the expression of enthusiasm. "Were enthusiastic" indicates a general positive feeling, while "were very enthusiastic" suggests a stronger and more pronounced excitement or eagerness.