that were made

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that were made" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to items or actions that have been created or completed in the past. Example: "The cookies that were made yesterday were delicious and quickly disappeared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were just mistakes that were made.

The New York Times

"Mistakes that were made were so blatant".

The New York Times

Englishmen fight in tanks that were made in America.

The New Yorker

Amps that were made individually on demand cost even more.

The New York Times - Tech

Privately he regrets all the commitments that were made".

The Guardian

There were a lot of bad decisions that were made.

Independent

It focuses in particular on stone reliefs that were made to mark Livingstone's various expeditions.

The Guardian - Arts

"So many people have no idea about some of the things that were made right here.

The New York Times

The small concessions that were made were already in the pipeline.

The Guardian

"We are seeing the results of changes that were made two years ago," Ms. Constable said.

The New York Times

They also want to watch the "dailies," the scenes that were made that day.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that were made", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who performed the action. For example, "The changes that were made by the team improved efficiency."

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "that were made" as it often leads to passive voice constructions. Consider rephrasing to use active voice for a more direct and engaging style. For instance, instead of "Decisions that were made by the committee", try "The committee's decisions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that were made" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun and providing additional information about it. This phrase often appears in sentences describing actions or creations completed in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

14%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that were made" functions as a relative clause, adding descriptive detail about actions or items completed in the past. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, from News & Media to Science. To enhance your writing, avoid overuse leading to passive voice and consider specifying who or what performed the action. By varying your phrasing and maintaining clarity, you can effectively use "that were made" while ensuring engaging and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which had been created

Emphasizes the creation aspect, using a more formal tone and highlighting the past perfect tense.

that had been produced

Focuses on the production process, suitable for contexts where manufacturing or generation is relevant.

that were constructed

Highlights the act of building or assembling something, often used for physical objects.

that were developed

Emphasizes the evolution or improvement of something over time.

which came into existence

A more formal and descriptive way of saying something was created or made.

that were formed

Suggests a shaping or molding process, often used for abstract concepts or natural formations.

that were established

Implies a formal creation or setting up of something, like a system or organization.

that were generated

Focuses on the act of generating or producing something, often used in technical or scientific contexts.

that were composed

Highlights the arrangement or combination of elements, often used for music or art.

that originated

Emphasizes the source or beginning of something, focusing on where it came from.

FAQs

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

Use "that were made" to specify or describe items or actions which have been created or completed in the past. For example, "The promises "that were made" yesterday can be broken today".

What are some alternatives to using "that were made"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "which had been created", "that had been produced", or "that were constructed".

Is there a difference between "that were made" and "that were created"?

While similar, "that were made" is a general term, while "that were created" emphasizes the act of bringing something new into existence. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I avoid using the phrase "that were made"?

Avoid using "that were made" when it leads to unnecessarily passive constructions or when a more direct and active voice would improve clarity and impact. Consider if you can specify who made the item or decision for a stronger sentence.