movements were seen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "movements were seen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe observed actions or changes, often in a scientific or observational report. Example: "During the experiment, various movements were seen in the subjects as they reacted to the stimuli."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The movements were seen as too contradictory.

The Economist

Prosecutor Mark Ellison QC said "hand and leg movements" were seen by a witness as Lawrence was attacked.

The Guardian

On day 3, a 30-cm adult female ascaris worm was aspirated from his nasogastric tube (Fig. 1), and abdominal ultrasound revealed a heavy worm load (Fig. 2, Additional file 1: Video 1 and Additional file 2: Video 2): several intra-luminal echogenic tubular structures exhibiting slow curling movements were seen in the small bowel.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

In addition, increased antipoleward movements were seen in these cells perhaps attributable to the transient nature of attachments in cells with compromised Ndc80 complex, allowing antipoleward forces to operate more frequently.

Chromosoma

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The relatively straight trajectories typical of point-to-point reaching movements are seen in the initial as well as the final movements in the NF for both visual conditions.

Plosone

A significant decrease in fetal movements was seen with sustained maternal hyperglycaemia [ 37].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Variable orofacial dyskinetic movements are seen (6 of 7 TD capuchins in our laboratory), including forehead contractions, chewing movements, tongue protrusions, and lip retraction.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

The results showed that in 2001, just after the FMD outbreak when strict movement restriction regulations were in force, a reduced number of cattle movements was seen compared to before the FMD outbreak.

BMC Veterinary Research

Indeed, Mandela and his movement were seen as the legitimate voice of South Africa's black majority by civilized governments on every continent, including many of our traditional allies.

Huffington Post

However, efforts to forcibly limit public assembly or movement were seen as legally and ethically problematic, especially when there is limited scientific evidence supporting such restrictions.

BMC Public Health

Little movement is seen within the carriers, with Verizon leading smartphone sales at 34.6%, AT&T in second (29%), and Sprint in third (12.7%).

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scientific observations, use "movements were seen" to objectively report observed actions without implying causation or interpretation. For example, "During the experiment, specific limb "movements were seen" in response to the stimulus."

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice constructions like "movements were seen" can make your writing sound less direct. Consider rephrasing in active voice when appropriate for a more engaging style. For instance, instead of "movements were seen", try "observers noted the movements."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "movements were seen" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the action of seeing or observing was performed on the movements. This construction emphasizes the movements themselves rather than the observer. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "movements were seen" is a grammatically sound passive phrase used to report observations, primarily in scientific and news contexts. While correct, it's essential to consider the writing context and opt for active voice when appropriate for clarity and engagement. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its validity and provides insights into its practical applications. Remember to vary your phrasing by using alternatives like "movements were observed" for stylistic diversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

movement was observed

Changes the verb to 'observed' to maintain a formal tone while emphasizing the action of observing.

movements were detected

Replaces "seen" with "detected", highlighting that the movements were noticed through observation or measurement.

motion was perceived

Uses "perceived" to imply that movement was noticed through the senses.

motion was registered

Indicates that movement was recorded or noted, often by instruments.

changes were noticed

Focuses on change rather than explicit movement, implying a broader range of alterations.

shifts were apparent

Suggests movements that are easily visible or obvious.

activity was witnessed

Emphasizes the act of watching or observing the movement.

alterations were identified

Highlights the identification of changes, which could include movement.

fluctuations were evident

Uses "fluctuations" to describe irregular movements or variations that were clearly noticeable.

stirrings were noticeable

Implies slight or initial movements that were capable of being noticed.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "movements were seen" to sound more active?

To make the sentence more active, you can use phrases like "observers noticed the movements" or "scientists detected the movements". This shifts the focus to the actor performing the observation.

What is a synonym for "movements were seen"?

Synonyms include "movements were observed", "motion was detected", or "activity was witnessed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "movements were seen" or "movements were observed"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "Movements were observed" is slightly more formal and common in scientific contexts, while "movements were seen" is generally acceptable in broader contexts.

When is it appropriate to use the passive voice phrase "movements were seen"?

Use the passive voice when the actor is unknown, unimportant, or when you want to emphasize the action itself. For example, "During the experiment, unexpected "movements were seen" in the control group."