subjects were asked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subjects were asked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in research contexts when describing how participants were engaged or questioned during a study. Example: "In the study, subjects were asked to complete a survey regarding their eating habits."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Subjects were asked to assess the discomfort of the procedure.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Subjects were asked to recall their first smoking experience.

Addictive Behaviors

Subjects were asked to feign both delight and frustration.

MIT Technology Review

The subjects were asked to learn the language.

The New York Times - Books

For one task subjects were asked to remember the previous scene while ignoring the faces.

University of California, Berkeley

The subjects were asked to rank their preference after each task in the test.

Applied Ergonomics

After observing an image, subjects were asked if it is authentic or not.

Computers & Graphics

Twelve human subjects were asked to conduct daily activities in the testbed and mimic falls.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

In the execution task subjects were asked to make speeded button presses according to instruction cues.

NeuroImage

Subjects were asked which type of stimulation they would prefer for 6 weeks of treatment.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Subjects were asked to rotate the board until they felt they were in a horizontal posture.

International Journal of Psychophysiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, ensure that the questions or tasks given to the "subjects" are clearly defined and relevant to the research objectives.

Common error

While "subjects were asked" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound passive. Vary your sentence structure by sometimes using active voice, such as "researchers asked the subjects" for a more direct style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subjects were asked" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subjects of a study received some form of inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

Academia

15%

News & Media

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "subjects were asked" is a grammatically correct and very common construction, particularly within scientific and academic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct and appropriate for describing data collection methodologies in research. While mainly formal, it's crucial to maintain clarity and avoid overuse of passive voice for better writing. Alternatives such as "participants were questioned" or "individuals were interviewed" can offer variety. The phrase serves to objectively communicate the process of inquiry in a study.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

participants were questioned

Replaces "subjects" with "participants" and "asked" with "questioned", focusing on the act of questioning in a study.

individuals were interviewed

Substitutes "subjects" with "individuals" and "asked" with "interviewed", emphasizing a more in-depth form of inquiry.

respondents were surveyed

Changes "subjects" to "respondents" and "asked" to "surveyed", highlighting the collection of data via surveys.

people were prompted

Replaces "subjects" with "people" and "asked" with "prompted", indicating a form of encouragement or cue for a response.

examinees were instructed

Focuses on giving instructions to those being examined, using formal terminology.

the sample group was queried

Specifies the group being addressed and uses "queried" to denote the act of asking.

test subjects were solicited

Uses "test subjects" to clarify the context and replaces "asked" with "solicited", indicating a formal request.

interviewees were polled

Combines the interviewing process with a polling approach for gathering information.

volunteers were canvassed

Highlights the voluntary nature of participation and uses "canvassed" to describe the act of seeking information.

patients were consulted

Emphasizes a consultative approach, focusing on seeking advice or information from patients.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "subjects were asked" for variety?

You can use alternatives like "participants were questioned", "individuals were interviewed", or "respondents were surveyed" to add variety to your writing.

Is "subjects were asked" formal enough for academic writing?

Yes, "subjects were asked" is perfectly acceptable for academic writing. It's a clear and concise way to describe how information was gathered from study participants. However, always ensure clarity and precision in your language.

What is the difference between "subjects were asked" and "subjects were requested"?

"Subjects were asked" implies a question or inquiry was made. "Subjects were requested" suggests a more formal request or instruction. The choice depends on the context of your research.

In what contexts is "subjects were asked" most appropriate?

"Subjects were asked" is most appropriate in research papers, academic articles, and other formal reports where you need to describe how data was collected from study participants. It provides a clear and objective description of the process.