tested were

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tested were" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing subjects that have undergone testing, often in a passive construction. Example: "The samples that were tested were found to be free of contaminants."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All riders tested were cleared to race in the team time trial.

The New York Times - Sports

A full 17percentt of the loons tested were at risk from mercury contamination.

The New York Times

About 18percentt of the women tested were found to be infected.

The New York Times

All strains tested were susceptible to a related drug, Relenza, or zanamivir.

The New York Times

According to the Canadian government, 70percentt of the 2006 samples tested were laced with methamphetamine.

The New York Times

The maximum angles tested were ± 1.7º.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

All other organic alcohols tested were interferants.

Electrochimica Acta

Ten specimens of each material group tested were investigated.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

All 29 Vibrio strains tested were growth-inhibited by H2.

AMB Express

The carbonate rocks tested were of dolomite and limestone types.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

None of the systems tested were very accurate.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tested were", ensure the subject of the testing is clearly identified either before or after the phrase to avoid ambiguity. For example: 'The samples tested were positive' is clearer than 'Tested were the samples'.

Common error

Avoid placing the phrase "tested were" too far from the noun it modifies. This can lead to confusion about what was actually tested. Keep related phrases close to improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tested were" typically functions as part of a passive construction, indicating that a subject has undergone a testing process. It often introduces a result or a state related to the items that have been tested. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tested were" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction, predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It serves to report the outcomes of testing procedures objectively. To use it effectively, ensure the subject of the testing is clear and the phrase is positioned close to the modified noun to maintain clarity. While versatile, consider synonyms like "were examined" or "underwent testing" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were examined

Focuses on the act of examination as a form of testing.

were evaluated

Highlights the assessment aspect of testing.

underwent testing

Emphasizes the process of testing rather than the state of being tested.

were assessed

Similar to 'evaluated', but emphasizes the judgment made during testing.

were analyzed

Stresses the analytical component of the testing process.

were investigated

Implies a more in-depth and thorough testing process.

were subjected to testing

Highlights that the subject experienced the testing procedure.

were put through tests

Suggests a series of tests were conducted.

were trialed

More common in British English, indicating a trial or experiment.

were screened

Implies the testing was done to filter or identify something specific.

FAQs

How can I use "tested were" in a sentence?

The phrase "tested were" typically introduces a result or finding related to a group of items or subjects that have undergone testing. For example, "The samples "tested were" found to be contaminated".

What are some alternatives to using "tested were"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "were examined", "were evaluated", or "underwent testing" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more formal to say "were tested" instead of "tested were"?

The order depends on the sentence structure. "Tested were" often appears when fronting the tested items for emphasis, while "were tested" is a more standard passive construction. Both are acceptable, but "were tested" may feel slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "the samples were tested" and "the samples tested were"?

"The samples were tested" is a standard passive sentence. "The samples tested were..." implies that only some samples were tested, and the rest of the sentence describes something about those specific tested samples. You can also rephrase it to "the tested samples".