that were thrown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that were thrown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe objects or items that have been cast or discarded in some manner, often in a past context. Example: "The children played with the toys that were thrown across the yard during the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These are things that were thrown away.

The New Yorker

Two that were thrown did not detonate.

The New York Times

And it relied on facts that were thrown into question by the hacked climate science emails.

The Guardian

He absorbed the blows that were thrown his way without flinching and acknowledged his criminality.

The Washington Post

Of the five that were thrown, three exploded, injuring several officers.

The New York Times

The children appreciated humorous explanations but not jokes that were thrown in simply to be funny.

The New York Times - Science

They cheered the brilliant costumes [and] scrambled for barrelfuls of candy that were thrown at them.

The New York Times

The lawsuit was among nearly two dozen that were thrown out in 2004.

The New York Times

These were the fish that were thrown over the side because no one wanted them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Consider the approximately 19,000 ballots that were thrown out in Palm Beach County.

The New York Times

He was indicted on conspiracy charges that were thrown out for prosecutorial misconduct.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that were thrown", ensure the subject performing the action is clear, either explicitly stated or easily inferred from the context. For example, "The documents that were thrown out by the committee".

Common error

Avoid using "that were thrown" when an active voice construction would be more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The ball that were thrown by him", consider "The ball he threw."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that were thrown" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun. It indicates a passive action, describing something to which the act of throwing was applied. This is confirmed by Ludwig, where it appears in various contexts, emphasizing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that were thrown" is a grammatically correct and common passive verb phrase used to describe something that has been subjected to the action of throwing. As supported by Ludwig AI, it is versatile and appears across a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and academic writing. While its usage is generally neutral, it's important to consider whether an active voice construction might be more direct in certain situations. Remember to ensure clarity by specifying the agent of the action when using "that were thrown".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that had been discarded

Focuses on the act of discarding something previously.

which had been tossed

Suggests a casual or light throwing motion.

which were hurled

Emphasizes a forceful or violent throwing action.

which were flung

Suggests a wild or uncontrolled throwing action.

that were cast aside

Implies abandonment or neglect.

that got rejected

Highlights the act of being refused or not accepted.

that were scrapped

Focuses on the act of eliminating or abandoning something deemed unusable.

that were pitched

Suggests an overhand throwing motion, often used in sports contexts.

which were propelled

Highlights the act of being forcefully moved forward.

that were launched

Emphasizes a formal or deliberate throwing or projecting action.

FAQs

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

You can use "that were thrown" to describe objects or ideas that have been discarded, projected, or rejected. For example, "The ideas "that were thrown out" during the meeting were later reconsidered".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "that were thrown"?

Some alternatives include "that had been discarded", "which were hurled", or "that got rejected", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with phrases like "that were thrown"?

While "that were thrown" is grammatically correct, using an active voice construction (e.g., "the items he threw") can sometimes be more direct and concise. Choose the voice that best suits the context and desired emphasis.

What is the difference between "that were thrown away" and "that were discarded"?

"That were thrown away" often implies a more casual or immediate disposal, while "that were discarded" can suggest a more considered or formal process of rejection or disposal. The choice depends on the specific context.