The phrase "were in the running" is commonly used in English to indicate that someone or something was a candidate or contender for something. The word "were" is pronounced /wər/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with an unstressed schwa sound (ə) in the middle. This spelling reflects the past tense of the verb "to be", which is irregular in English. The phrase "in the running" uses the common spelling of the word "running", which reflects the pronunciation /ˈrʌnɪŋ/ with stress on the first syllable.
The phrase "were in the running" is an idiomatic expression used to convey that someone or something had a chance or possibility of winning, succeeding, or achieving a particular goal or position in a competitive situation. It is most commonly used in contexts involving competitions, elections, awards, or any situation where multiple contenders or participants are vying for a certain outcome.
The term "were" suggests that the subject or object being referred to was among the candidates or contenders, indicating their active involvement in the competition or race. The phrase implies that they were considered as serious contenders or competitors, possessing the necessary qualifications or qualities to be a potential winner.
The term "running" is used metaphorically to represent the actual process or course of the competition itself. It highlights the idea that the contenders were actively participating or engaged in the race, displaying their skills, abilities, or qualities in pursuit of the desired outcome.
Overall, "were in the running" serves as an expression that denotes someone or something's competitive standing or chance of success, reflecting their active participation and potential to achieve a favorable result in a competitive situation. It acknowledges their position as a serious contender or competitor, highlighting their viable chances of achieving the desired outcome.