Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
proceeds were
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "proceeds were" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the earnings or profits generated from a specific event or activity, often in a financial context. Example: "The proceeds were donated to charity after the fundraising event concluded."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
Total proceeds were £32.8m.
News & Media
Proceeds were the first earnings.
Academia
But the proceeds were slim.
News & Media
All proceeds were to support internal improvements.
News & Media
None of the proceeds were set aside for acquisitions.
News & Media
The proceeds were supposed to go to Indians.
News & Media
The proceeds were used to finance real estate ventures.
News & Media
(The proceeds were shared among five partners; his brother was not among them).
News & Media
The proceeds were transferred to bank accounts of companies in Cyprus and Greece, the magazine said.
News & Media
The proceeds were used to pay THL a dividend of $137 million.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
1 human-written examples
The proceeds are then remitted anonymously.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "proceeds were", ensure the context clearly indicates the source or activity that generated the funds. For example: "The proceeds from the charity auction were donated to the local shelter."
Common error
Avoid assuming "proceeds were" always refers to the net amount. Specify 'net proceeds' if you're discussing the amount after deductions. Otherwise, it might be interpreted as the gross amount before expenses.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "proceeds were" primarily functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting the noun "proceeds" (the money obtained from something) to a description of what happened to that money. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.
Frequent in
News & Media
67%
Formal & Business
17%
Academia
8%
Less common in
Wiki
3%
Science
3%
Reference
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "proceeds were" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, mainly within news, business, and academic contexts to indicate the outcome or destination of funds. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to fit seamlessly in varied scenarios, from detailing charitable donations to reporting financial results. To avoid ambiguity, specify 'net proceeds' when discussing the amount after expenses. Using this will help maintain clarity and ensure accurate communication about financial matters.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
earnings amounted to
Emphasizes the total amount of money earned.
revenue totaled
Focuses on the total income generated from sales or services.
profits reached
Highlights the net gain after deducting expenses.
funds allocated to
Indicates the specific distribution of money for a purpose.
receipts amounted to
Focuses on the total sum of money received.
income derived from
Highlights the source from which money was obtained.
returns generated
Emphasizes the financial gains produced by an investment or activity.
takings totaled
Indicates the total amount of money taken in, especially in sales.
the sum of the earnings
Refers to all earnings combined.
the monetary gains
Highlights the profits or financial benefits.
FAQs
How can I use "proceeds were" in a sentence?
Use "proceeds were" to describe what happened to money generated from a specific event or activity. For instance, "The concert's proceeds were donated to the music program".
What can I say instead of "proceeds were"?
Alternatives include "earnings amounted to", "revenue totaled", or "profits reached" depending on the context.
Is it correct to say "the proceeds was" instead of "proceeds were"?
No, "proceeds" is a plural noun, so the correct form is "proceeds were". Using "proceeds was" is grammatically incorrect.
What is the difference between "proceeds" and "profits"?
"Proceeds" generally refer to the total amount of money received from a sale or event, while "profits" refer to the amount remaining after deducting all costs and expenses. Thus, using "profits reached" instead of "proceeds were" implies that expenses were already taken into consideration.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested