tests were run

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "tests were run" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are describing an action that took place in the past, such as: "The engineers ran a series of tests to ensure the safety of the new prototype."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another five tests were run in 2007.

The Guardian - Tech

Several tests were run to assess this possibility.

The New Yorker

If results came out positive, further tests were run.

The New York Times - Books

Pin-bearing fatigue tests were run under load-control.

Composites Part B: Engineering

Tests were run according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Journal of Hospital Infection

The tests were run on the machine fileserver.stanford.edu, which is a gentoo box.

Stanford University

This past IAP, tests were run on the initial dryer to determine its drying capabilities.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"A number of tests were run by OBS this morning on parts of the course.

The Guardian - Sport

Tests were run until failure and load-optical displacement data was recorded for each test.

Journal of Biomechanics

Tests were run to measure contact impedance at typical loads and slips.

Wear

Fatigue tests were run with both constant and variable amplitude loading.

International Journal of Fatigue

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a research methodology, be specific about the type of "tests were run" (e.g., statistical tests, performance tests) to provide clarity.

Common error

While "tests were run" is grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice can make writing sound vague. Consider using the active voice (e.g., "Researchers ran the tests") when appropriate for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tests were run" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a series of tests took place. It is commonly used to describe procedures in various fields. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tests were run" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in scientific, academic, and news contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and common way to describe the execution of tests. While the passive voice is standard, consider using the active voice for a more direct style where appropriate. Related phrases like "experiments were conducted" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. Be specific about the type of tests to enhance clarity. With a high source quality score and expert rating, this phrase is a reliable choice for conveying that tests have been performed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experiments were conducted

Replaces "tests" with "experiments" and "run" with "conducted", emphasizing a more formal scientific investigation.

assessments were performed

Substitutes "tests" with "assessments" and "run" with "performed", highlighting the evaluation aspect of the process.

trials were carried out

Replaces "tests" with "trials" and "run" with "carried out", suggesting a process of trying or proving something.

examinations were executed

Changes "tests" to "examinations" and "run" to "executed", emphasizing a formal or thorough investigation.

measurements were taken

Focuses on the act of measuring, implying that tests involved quantifiable results.

evaluations were undertaken

Replaces "tests" with "evaluations" and "run" with "undertaken", highlighting the act of judging or determining the value of something.

analyses were completed

Substitutes "tests" with "analyses" and "run" with "completed", emphasizing the detailed examination of something.

investigations were initiated

Focuses on the start of an investigation, implying a process of systematic inquiry.

studies were implemented

Changes "tests" to "studies" and "run" to "implemented", referring to a structured research project.

procedures were applied

Replaces "tests" with "procedures" and "run" with "applied", highlighting the use of a set of actions followed in a regular order.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "tests were run" to be more specific?

To be more specific, you can replace "tests" with the type of test, such as "statistical tests were run", "performance tests were run", or "usability tests were run" depending on the context.

Is "tests were run" formal enough for academic writing?

Yes, "tests were run" is generally acceptable for academic writing. However, consider using more precise language like "experiments were conducted" or "analyses were performed" for enhanced clarity and formality.

What's a more active way to say "tests were run"?

To use the active voice, you could say "Researchers ran the tests" or "The team conducted the tests". This makes the sentence more direct and identifies who performed the action.

Are there any alternatives to "tests were run" that imply the results were positive?

While "tests were run" doesn't inherently imply a positive result, you could follow it with a statement like "and proved successful" or "and yielded favorable outcomes" to indicate a positive result. You could also say "trials were successful".