they were achieved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were achieved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that certain goals or objectives have been successfully reached or accomplished. Example: "The targets set for the project were ambitious, but they were achieved ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

They were achieved, including civil partnership law.

The Guardian

Baskin says both the findings and the method by which they were achieved are notable.

Cornell University

In any case, they were achieved through private members' bills, not government measures.

The Guardian

So, too, are the difficult conditions under which they were achieved.

The New York Times

His world records were not steroid-enhanced; they were achieved through his grit and determination.

The New York Times

You could go to a movie and marvel at the special effects without knowing exactly how they were achieved.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

They were achieving.

The New York Times

They were planned, and thought out, and well executed, in the sense that they were achieving success.

The New Yorker

Sanctions might make sense if they were achieving the goal of stopping North Korea's nuclear-weapons and missile programs.

The New Yorker

They didn't do so because they were achieving stellar returns.

Huffington Post

How can they be achieved?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were achieved" to clearly indicate that goals or objectives have been successfully completed. Ensure the subject (the 'they') is clearly defined and understood in the context.

Common error

Avoid using "they were achieved" when an active voice would be more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "The results were achieved by the team", consider "The team achieved the results" if you want to emphasize the team's agency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were achieved" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a particular outcome or objective was successfully reached. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically sound for conveying accomplishments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were achieved" is a grammatically correct and very common passive voice construction used to indicate that certain goals or objectives have been successfully reached. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal academic writing to news reports. While versatile, it's important to consider whether an active voice might be more impactful in certain situations. Remember to clearly define the subject ('they') for clarity. Related alternatives include "they were accomplished" and "they were attained" if you need a different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were accomplished

Replaces "achieved" with a synonym, maintaining the passive voice and similar meaning.

they were attained

Uses "attained" as a synonym, emphasizing the successful reaching of a goal.

they were realized

Focuses on the actualization or materialization of something.

they were fulfilled

Suggests the completion of a requirement or promise.

they were secured

Implies effort and protection were involved in obtaining the results.

they were obtained

A more general term for acquiring or getting something.

they were completed

Focuses specifically on the finished or finalized aspect.

they were brought about

Highlights the causation or process that led to the results.

they were brought to fruition

Emphasizes the successful development and completion of a project or plan.

they were consummated

Suggests the finalization of an agreement or plan, often with a sense of formality.

FAQs

How can I use "they were achieved" in a sentence?

You can use "they were achieved" to describe the successful completion of goals or objectives, such as "The project milestones were ambitious, but "they were achieved" ahead of schedule."

What can I say instead of "they were achieved"?

Alternatives include "they were accomplished", "they were attained", or "they were realized", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing how goals were met?

While "they were achieved" (passive voice) is grammatically correct, active voice (e.g., "The team achieved the goals") can be more direct and emphasize who or what performed the action. Choose the voice that best suits your communication goals.

What's the difference between "they were achieved" and "they were obtained"?

"They were achieved" implies a deliberate effort to reach a specific goal. "They were obtained" is a more general term, suggesting simply acquiring or getting something, with or without specific effort.