irregularities were found

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "irregularities were found" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are reporting or discussing issues, discrepancies, or anomalies that have been discovered in a particular situation or data set. Example: "During the audit, several irregularities were found in the financial records that required further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A formal report has yet to be issued though no irregularities were found in a review of the services for which the doctors had billed, Ms. Kinner said.

The New York Times

Random track irregularities were found to have minor effects on the dynamic amplification factors and bridge accelerations; however, lateral responses of the bridge were considerably affected by irregularities.

Computers & Structures

The most intense ionospheric irregularities were found within 60 70° MLAT during ~20 09 MLT and one noontime peak at ~11 13 MLT.

Earth, Planets and Space

In reality, the geometry obtained by the AM process profoundly differs from the original one, in particular local geometrical irregularities were found to produce local stress and strain localizations which are difficult to be a-priori predicted by the analyses on the idealized structures.

Procedia Structural Integrity

Second, the maximal values of the occurrence rate for the evening-time irregularities were found during equinoxes, in particular for the September 2014 and March 2015 seasons (Fig. 4a, b), and the lowest rates were observed during the June 2015 solstice (Fig. 5b).

Earth, Planets and Space

An investigation followed, and no irregularities were found with the ride.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The findings were expected Friday, and the government has promised to annul the expulsion if irregularities are found.

The New York Times

Hodge called for the DWP to explain why the police were not brought in on all occasions when evidence of irregularities was found, when public money is involved.

The Guardian

If irregularities are found, the bureau said, these would be published; if no problems are uncovered, the results of any investigation will remain confidential.

The New York Times

Irregularities are found where the drift speed is inverted and the SAA moves eastward and southward.

Advances in Space Research

Over the Northern Hemisphere, the most intense ionospheric irregularities are found within 60° 70° MLAT during ~20 09 MLT, with one noontime peak observed at ~1100 1300 MLT.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on audits or investigations, use "irregularities were found" to objectively state the discovery of anomalies, avoiding accusatory language unless supported by evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "irregularities were found" without specifying the area or process where they occurred. Without context, the statement lacks impact and raises questions about the specifics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "irregularities were found" functions as a declarative statement in the passive voice. It is used to report the discovery of issues or anomalies. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is commonly used in reporting contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "irregularities were found" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to report the discovery of anomalies or discrepancies. Ludwig AI underlines that it primarily serves to inform the audience of deviations from the norm, particularly in official reports, investigations, or audits. While the phrase maintains a neutral tone and is suitable for formal contexts, it's crucial to provide specific details about the context and nature of the irregularities to ensure clarity and impact. Alternative phrases like "discrepancies were detected" or "anomalies were identified" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Ensure that your writing is clear and specific about where these irregularities occurred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discrepancies were detected

Replaces "irregularities" with "discrepancies" and "found" with "detected", focusing on differences that deviate from the norm.

anomalies were identified

Uses "anomalies" instead of "irregularities", highlighting deviations from what is standard or expected and replaces "found" with "identified".

inconsistencies were observed

Substitutes "irregularities" with "inconsistencies", emphasizing a lack of uniformity or agreement.

errors were uncovered

Focuses specifically on mistakes or faults that have been revealed, rather than general irregularities and replaces "found" with "uncovered".

problems were discovered

A more general replacement, indicating that issues or difficulties have come to light.

issues were detected

Similar to "problems were discovered", but perhaps slightly more formal.

faults were located

Emphasizes the presence of defects or shortcomings that have been pinpointed and replaces "found" with "located".

violations were noted

Highlights instances where rules or standards have been breached, a more specific type of irregularity and replaces "found" with "noted".

abnormalities were revealed

Indicates that something unusual or unexpected has been disclosed and replaces "irregularities" with "abnormalities" and "found" with "revealed".

deviations were observed

Focuses on departures from a standard or norm that have been noticed and replaces "irregularities" with "deviations" and "found" with "observed".

FAQs

How can I use "irregularities were found" in a sentence?

Use "irregularities were found" to report the discovery of anomalies or discrepancies in a specific context. For example: "During the audit, "irregularities were found" in the expense reports".

What are some alternatives to saying "irregularities were found"?

You can use alternatives like "discrepancies were detected", "anomalies were identified", or "inconsistencies were observed" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when reporting that irregularities exist?

While "irregularities were found" is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "The audit team found irregularities") can make your writing more direct and engaging. However, the passive voice is appropriate when the actor is unknown or unimportant.

What kind of irregularities might be "found" in different contexts?

Irregularities can range from minor discrepancies in data to serious violations of rules or laws. In finance, "irregularities were found" might involve accounting errors; in manufacturing, they could relate to defects in products; and in elections, they might involve voting fraud.