they are moved

USAGE SUMMARY

"they are moved" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation in which an emotion or feeling has been aroused in someone. Example: When he heard the sad story, they were moved to tears.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Gold Coats say they are moved by the work.

The New York Times - Health

They relate to it and they are moved by it.

The Guardian - Film

Why they are moved about remains a mystery.

The New York Times - Arts

As the oysters mature, they are moved closer to the ocean.

The New York Times - Travel

If they are moved about by the wind, they may scour the bottom in shallower regions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite facing medical uncertainty, limited resources and provider hostility, they are moved by hope.

The New York Times

Once they are moved in, Kathy and the baby Nora seem happy and comfortable.

The New Yorker

Whenever my students see those pictures, they are moved sometimes to the point of tears.

The New York Times

Pieces dropped in enemy territory may promote the next time that they are moved.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some have a strict schedule; others show up whenever they are moved to do so.

The New York Times

But if they are moved around until then, they will become more fundamentally sound players.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the degree of emotional impact, consider adding an adverb such as deeply, profoundly, or greatly before "moved". For instance, "They are deeply moved by the speaker's testimony."

Common error

Avoid using "they are moved" when you mean to say that they are relocating something physically. For physical relocation, prefer using "they move" or "they are relocating" depending on context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "they are moved" is a passive construction indicating that individuals are the recipients of an action that causes an emotional or physical shift. Ludwig's examples confirm the phrase's use in describing emotional states and physical relocation, which reflects its versatile application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they are moved" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase commonly used to express emotional impact or physical relocation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase works well in various settings, and its passive construction effectively highlights the recipients of an action. It is frequently found in news, scientific articles, and encyclopedic entries. When writing, remember that "they are moved" should be used to express emotional or physical changes, and not as a description of an intentional, active relocation. By understanding its usage and common errors, you can use this phrase accurately and powerfully in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they feel touched

Replaces "moved" with a more direct emotional term, focusing on the feeling of being affected.

they are affected

Emphasizes the impact on them, suitable when discussing influences or changes.

they are stirred

Suggests a deeper emotional or intellectual response; more poetic.

they are influenced

Focuses on how they're impacted by external factors, shifting from emotion to action.

they are compelled

Highlights the feeling of being driven to action by an external force or emotion.

they are motivated

Focuses on the drivers that propel their actions.

they are inspired

Indicates an uplifting influence that sparks creativity or determination.

they are prompted

Highlights a cue or an instigation to do something.

they are persuaded

Shows a change in belief or action as a result of convincing arguments.

they are swayed

Indicates a change of opinion due to influence, often implying a gentle shift.

FAQs

How can I use "they are moved" in a sentence?

Use "they are moved" to express that someone experiences a strong emotion or feeling. For example, "They are moved by the plight of refugees."

What's the difference between "they are moved" and "they are motivated"?

"They are "moved"" implies an emotional impact, while "they are "motivated"" suggests being driven to action or purpose.

What can I say instead of "they are moved"?

You can use alternatives like "they feel "touched"", "they are "affected"", or "they are "stirred"" depending on the context.

Is "they are moved" grammatically correct?

Yes, "they are moved" is grammatically correct. It is a passive construction of the verb "move", indicating that someone is being acted upon or influenced by something.