measures were taken

USAGE SUMMARY

"measures were taken" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to specific action(s) taken to address a certain situation or problem. For example, "Once the situation had been assessed, measures were taken to ensure the safety of those onsite."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But few other proactive measures were taken.

The New Yorker

Measures were taken to ensure his victory.

The New York Times

Similar measures were taken in Kuwait.

The New York Times

Measures were taken in the child's home.

Pain

"That's why preventative security measures were taken".

The New York Times

Anthropometric measures were taken and body mass index calculated.

Harvard University

Several measures were taken to relax the system.

The Guardian

In total, 12 different measures were taken by employers.

The Guardian

But despite the signals, no precautionary measures were taken.

Harvard Business Review

Accordingly, some innovative measures were taken in each stage.

Natural Gas Industry B

Additional saliva measures were taken during food-cue exposure.

Appetite

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific verbs to replace "taken", such as "implemented", "enacted", or "adopted", to provide a clearer sense of the type of action performed.

Common error

Avoid using "measures were taken" without specifying what those measures were. Vague statements can leave the reader wondering what actions were actually implemented, reducing the impact and credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "measures were taken" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that actions were performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. This structure emphasizes the actions themselves rather than the actor. Examples on Ludwig showcase diverse scenarios where such actions are crucial.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

30%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "measures were taken" is a grammatically sound and very common way to express that actions were implemented in response to a specific situation. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is widely applicable across diverse contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. While versatile, it's essential to provide context about the actual measures to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "steps were implemented" or "actions were initiated" to add nuance. Remember to avoid ambiguity by clearly stating what actions were implemented, and you'll be able to confidently use this phrase in various professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Steps were implemented

Replaces "measures" with "steps", implying a more structured approach.

Actions were initiated

Focuses on the commencement of actions, highlighting the start of a process.

Procedures were enacted

Emphasizes the formal or systematic nature of the actions taken.

Precautions were adopted

Highlights preventative actions taken to avoid a negative outcome.

Interventions were applied

Suggests actions taken to modify a situation or process, often in a problem-solving context.

Remedies were pursued

Emphasizes actions taken to correct or improve a situation, often after a problem has occurred.

Solutions were deployed

Highlights the application of solutions to resolve a specific issue.

Safeguards were established

Focuses on the creation of protective measures to ensure safety or security.

Countermeasures were employed

Implies defensive actions taken in response to a threat or challenge.

Protocols were followed

Highlights adherence to established guidelines or procedures.

FAQs

How can I use "measures were taken" in a sentence?

You can use "measures were taken" to indicate that specific actions were implemented to address a situation. For example, "After the incident, "measures were taken" to improve safety protocols".

What are some alternatives to saying "measures were taken"?

Alternatives include phrases like "steps were implemented", "actions were initiated", or "precautions were adopted". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. For example, "steps were implemented" to address the issue.

Is it better to be specific about what measures were taken?

Yes, being specific is generally better. Instead of just saying "measures were taken", describe the actual actions. This provides clarity and strengthens your writing. For example, instead of "measures were taken", try "safety protocols were enhanced".

What is the difference between "measures were taken" and "steps were taken"?

While similar, "measures were taken" is a general statement about actions implemented, while "steps were taken" may imply a more structured or sequential approach to addressing an issue. They are often interchangeable, but the specific context might favor one over the other. For example, you can use the phrase "steps were implemented" if you want to imply a process.