that were sent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'that were sent' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that was previously mentioned and has been sent. For example: We received all of the documents and emails that were sent.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Here are some of the comments that were sent.

The New York Times

I did read the letters that were sent and exchanged.

The New York Times

In years gone by there was a demand for pit ponies that were sent down mines.

The Guardian

Until 1978, fire dispatchers responded to all alarms that were sent from street-corner boxes.

The New York Times

He read unsolicited essays that were sent to the White House.

The New York Times

"There's a strong emphasis on messages that were sent to and from the towers," Davies says.

Independent

Years ago, the Guardian's old email system allowed all journalists to see letters that were sent in for publication.

The Guardian - Music

Military jets that were sent to help spotted the plane's door open and the cockpit dark and empty in flight.

The New York Times

The tallies were then to be manually recorded on forms that were sent to the commission's headquarters in Baghdad.

The New York Times

French officials assisted Greece in drafting the proposals that were sent to eurozone finance ministers last week.

The Guardian

The board met Tuesday to discuss letters that were sent to the university by the mother of the woman.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that were sent", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of "the files that were sent", specify "the files that were sent yesterday".

Common error

Avoid using "that was sent" when referring to multiple items. The correct form for plural subjects is "that were sent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that were sent" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun and providing additional information about items or messages that have been dispatched or transmitted. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that were sent" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed relative clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to specify items, messages, or data that have been dispatched or transmitted. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. Be sure to maintain subject-verb agreement to avoid grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that were dispatched

Focuses on the action of dispatching items or information.

that were forwarded

Indicates the act of passing something on to another destination.

that were transmitted

Highlights the process of conveying information, especially electronically.

that were conveyed

Stresses the act of communicating or transporting something.

that had been dispatched

Emphasizes the act of sending and its completion before a specific point in time.

that were transferred

Indicates a movement or relocation of something from one place to another.

which were issued

Implies a formal release or distribution of documents or statements.

that were broadcast

Specifically refers to the dissemination of information to a wide audience.

that were directed

Highlights the aspect of being guided or aimed towards a specific recipient.

that were shipped

Refers specifically to the transport of physical goods.

FAQs

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

Use "that were sent" to describe items, messages or data that have been dispatched or transmitted. For instance, "The instructions "that were sent" last week contain the updated guidelines."

What are some alternatives to "that were sent"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that were dispatched", "that were transmitted", or "that were forwarded", depending on the context.

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

The correct form depends on the subject's number. Use "that was sent" for singular subjects (e.g., "the email that was sent") and "that were sent" for plural subjects (e.g., "the emails that were sent").

What's the difference between "that were sent" and "that have been sent"?

"That were sent" typically refers to actions completed in the past, while "that have been sent" implies actions completed at some point before now, with a continuing relevance or impact.