that were found

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that were found" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to items or information that have been discovered or located in a specific context. Example: "The documents that were found in the archives provided valuable insights into the company's history."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most effects that were found were due to substrate presence.

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

Several molds that were found in sea salt, including Aspergillus and Penicillium species.

Cornell University

The Villa of the Papyri is so-called because of papyrus fragments that were found there.

Yale University

"They bring in bodies that were found in the mud, facedown, filthy," she told me.

The Guardian - Books

The materials that were found and the device that was uncovered was intended to do harm".

The New Yorker

Apple, plum and cherry trees erupt out of old tubs that were found in skips.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The percentage of those that were found on living coralliths is also represented.

Nature

"Who killed the pirates that were found dead on the yacht?

The Guardian

Countries that were found to be more meritocratic included Austria, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

The Guardian

Water meeting the EU standard has 50% less species that were found in the cleaner water.

The Guardian

They taught each to recognize some 50,000 terms that were found on past candidates' résumés.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that were found", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what did the finding and where or how it occurred for clarity. For instance, instead of "artifacts that were found", specify "artifacts that archaeologists found during the excavation".

Common error

Avoid using "that were found" without a clear antecedent. Ensure it's evident what the "that" refers to. Instead of saying, "Problems that were found need fixing", clarify it as "The structural problems that were found during the inspection need fixing."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that were found" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by providing additional information about it. This clause typically follows the noun it modifies, specifying which items or entities are being referred to, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Academia

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that were found" functions as a relative clause, adding detail about items or information that have been discovered. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It appears most frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral register. To ensure clarity, specify the finder and the context of the finding. While grammatically sound and commonly used, ensure that antecedents are clear to avoid ambiguity. As demonstrated, the phrase is a versatile tool for providing context, but careful usage ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which were discovered

Uses 'discovered' instead of 'found', implying a more intentional act of finding.

that were located

Replaces 'found' with 'located', emphasizing a precise determination of position.

that were unearthed

Suggests something was dug up or revealed after being hidden.

that were detected

Implies the use of instruments or methods to identify something.

that were identified

Highlights the act of recognizing or naming something.

which had been found

Uses past perfect tense to emphasize the completion of the finding action before a specific time.

that have been found

Uses present perfect tense to emphasize the relevance of the finding action to the present.

what was discovered

Changes the structure to focus on the discovery itself.

those which were found

Emphasizes the specific items that were located.

items that were found

Specifically refers to objects or things that were located.

FAQs

How can I use "that were found" in a sentence?

Use "that were found" to describe items or information that have been discovered or located. For example: "The documents "that were found" in the archives provided valuable insights."

What are some alternatives to "that were found"?

You can use alternatives like "which were discovered", "that were located", or "that were unearthed" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "that was found" instead of "that were found"?

Use "that was found" for singular nouns and ""that were found"" for plural nouns. For example: "The error that was found" versus "The errors "that were found"."

What is the difference between "that were found" and "that had been found"?

"That were found" generally refers to a discovery in the recent past or present. "That had been found" indicates the discovery occurred further in the past, before another event. For example: "The coins "that were found" are now being studied" versus "The coins that had been found before 1900 were sent to the museum."