there were used

USAGE SUMMARY

"there were used" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been employed or utilized in the past. For example: "To build the bridge, there were used state-of-the-art materials and engineering methods."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

There were used two types of crimped steel fibres.

Construction and Building Materials

There were used needles and syringes lying around on the ground.

The New York Times - Health

There were used two control configurations with one and two degrees-of-freedom for controller design.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

The geological conditions used there were used during the design phase.

Mining Science and Technology (China)

There were used different coordinate systems and responsible movements along each axis.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

(Most of Starcity's residents are white). On the sidewalk outside Mr. Dishotsky's construction zone that morning, there were used needles and several tents.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Water, a precious commodity there, was used by the truckload.

The New York Times

The folks there are used to the heat, and it's cool on the River.

University of California, Berkeley

People there are used to worrying about the health of the communal order.

The New York Times

Scientists there were using glaciers as models of climate change.

The New York Times - Travel

Or, there are used mobile development best practices?

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there were used", ensure the subject being used is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what tools, methods, or materials were utilized in a particular process or context.

Common error

While "there were used" is grammatically correct, excessive use of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing to active voice for a more engaging and direct style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there were used" functions as a passive construction, indicating that certain items or methods were employed or utilized. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase helps to focus on what was acted upon, rather than who performed the action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

31%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there were used" is a grammatically correct passive construction employed to emphasize the objects or methods utilized in a past action, rather than the actors involved. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase commonly appears in scientific and news contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal register. While acceptable, be mindful of overusing passive voice, and consider active alternatives to enhance writing clarity and directness. Remember to clearly identify what items were used to avoid ambiguity and properly use "there was used" for singular instances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they utilized

Focuses on the act of using something by a specific group.

they employed

Emphasizes a more deliberate or formal use of something.

certain methods were applied

Stresses the systematic or procedural use of techniques.

certain tools were implemented

Highlights the execution or putting something into effect.

various strategies were adopted

Suggests the selection and implementation of particular strategies.

they made use of

Emphasizes how some actors benefited from the usage or applications of processes, skills, tools.

certain resources were tapped

Indicates the accessing and using of available resources.

certain techniques found application

Highlights how particular techniques were relevant in real world scenarios.

materials were incorporated

Focuses on the inclusion of specific materials within a process.

the devices were put to use

Illustrates how specific devices started being employed or utilized in various processes.

FAQs

How to use "there were used" in a sentence?

The phrase "there were used" indicates that certain items or methods were employed in the past. For example, "To conduct the experiment, "there were used" advanced statistical tools and a large dataset".

What can I say instead of "there were used"?

Alternatives include "they utilized", "they employed", or "certain methods were applied", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "there were used" or "there was used"?

"There were used" is correct when referring to multiple items or methods. Use "there was used" for a singular item, like "there was used a single tool".

What's the difference between "there were used" and "they used"?

"There were used" is passive, focusing on the items being utilized. "They used" is active, focusing on the actors who did the using. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the items or the actors.