it was determined that they had

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was determined that they had" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when reporting a conclusion or finding that has been reached regarding a subject or situation. Example: "After a thorough investigation, it was determined that they had acted in accordance with the regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Of course, the ladies' reputation was tainted a touch recently, when it was determined that they had inflated their returns by counting their monthly dues as profits.

The New York Times

Under the policy under consideration, the department would move to dismiss officers involved in much less serious incidents once it was determined that they had been drunk.

The New York Times

During the 1996 Atlanta Games, eight athletes failed the test, but all were later cleared of suspicion because it was determined that they had a birth defect that did not give them an unfair advantage.

The New York Times - Sports

In Lewes, Sussex, 35,000 letters and packages were soaked through when the post office was flooded, and then had to be destroyed after it was determined that they had been contaminated with raw sewage.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was determined that he had committed suicide.

The New York Times

It was determined that Courtney, now 18, had cardiomyopathy.

The New York Times

I'm determined that they will be".

Independent

It has been determined that Inez has attention deficit disorder.

The New York Times

And Rosenworcel is determined that everyone has access.

Huffington Post

I am determined that it should be.

Independent

I'm determined that we will".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was determined that they had" to clearly and authoritatively state a conclusion reached after investigation or analysis. This phrase is suitable when presenting findings in a formal or neutral context.

Common error

Avoid overuse by actively stating who made the determination, if known. For example, instead of "it was determined that they had," specify "the investigators determined that they had" to provide more clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was determined that they had" functions as a reporting clause, introducing a statement that something was definitively established or concluded. As Ludwig AI indicates, it presents a finding or resolution based on some form of inquiry or assessment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was determined that they had" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a reporting clause, used to convey a definitive conclusion primarily in neutral contexts such as news and media. While less common, it is most effective for formally presenting findings after an investigation or analysis. For more informal settings, consider using alternative expressions. The phrase is typically used to provide objective and factual information, but clarity can be enhanced by specifying who made the determination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was concluded that they had

Replaces "determined" with "concluded", emphasizing the reaching of a decision or judgment.

it was ascertained that they had

Substitutes "determined" with "ascertained", highlighting the discovery of something through investigation.

it was established that they had

Uses "established" instead of "determined", stressing the firm confirmation of a fact.

it was found that they had

Employs "found" in place of "determined", indicating a discovery or finding.

the finding was that they had

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize "finding" as the central element.

the investigation revealed they had

Focuses on the investigation process and its results.

they were found to have

Changes the sentence structure to use a passive voice, focusing on the subjects.

evidence showed that they had

Highlights the role of evidence in reaching the determination.

it became clear that they had

Shifts the focus to the gradual realization of a fact.

the result indicated they had

Emphasizes that results or outcomes pointed to a specific conclusion.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was determined that they had" to sound more active?

Consider using phrases like "investigators determined that they had" or "the committee concluded that they had". This shifts the focus to the actors involved in making the determination.

Is "it was determined that they had" appropriate for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was determined that they had" is formal. In informal contexts, consider alternatives like "they found out that they had" or "it turned out that they had".

What's the difference between "it was determined that they had" and "it was concluded that they had"?

The phrases are very similar. "It was concluded that they had" often implies a judgment or final decision, while "it was determined that they had" suggests a fact was established after investigation.

Can I use "it was determined that they had" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, you can, but ensure it flows logically with the preceding context. Starting with the subject making the determination might improve readability.