they were adapted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were adapted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing changes or modifications made to something, often in the context of literature, technology, or processes. Example: "The original story was so compelling that they were adapted into a successful film series."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There have even been turns better than the books they were adapted from.

The Guardian - Film

They were adapted to experimental conditions for 21 days, before the commencement of the measurement periods.

Livestock Science

These experiments point to what could be achieved if they were adapted more broadly and more persistently.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They were adapted to the cold conditions of the ice age and had stocky bodies, thick bones and enormous strength.

The New York Times

They were adapted into a television series starring Leonard Rossiter and a remake with Martin Clunes in the lead role.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They were adapted to and exclusively designed for personal use, according to the convenience, comfort, or tastes, during the extended journey upon which she had entered.

Cornell University

With light skeletons and wing structure supported by a single digit on each "hand," they were adapted to flying and gliding.

Britannica

He said they were adapted to warm climates and arrived in Britain by crossing the land bridge which then linked it to the rest of Europe.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Perhaps they were adapting to the new system they were playing.

BBC

They are adapted to him on their back.

The New York Times

Then, they are adapted to the southern Mediterranean basin, where the subtropical climate prevails.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were adapted" to clearly indicate that a subject has been modified or changed to suit a new purpose or environment. This phrasing emphasizes the process of alteration and its intended outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "they were adapted" when the active voice is more appropriate and direct. For instance, instead of "the software was adapted by the team", consider "the team adapted the software" for a more concise and impactful sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were adapted" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject has undergone a process of modification or adjustment. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrasing is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were adapted" is a grammatically sound and very common passive verb phrase used to indicate that something has been modified to suit a new purpose or environment. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and useful for discussing changes or modifications made to various subjects. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. When writing, it's important to consider whether the active voice might be more direct and impactful, but in many cases, the passive voice is appropriate and effective for conveying the idea of adaptation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were modified

Focuses on the act of making changes or alterations to something.

they were adjusted

Emphasizes the process of tweaking or fine-tuning something to better suit a specific purpose or condition.

they were altered

Highlights a more significant change or transformation compared to a simple adjustment.

they were converted

Suggests a change in form, substance, or character, often implying a new use or function.

they were transformed

Implies a dramatic change in form or appearance.

they were revised

Focuses on the act of re-examining and making corrections or improvements.

they were updated

Emphasizes bringing something current or modern.

they were tailored

Highlights that something was specifically designed or modified to fit particular needs.

they were derived

Suggests that something originated or was obtained from a specific source.

they were remodeled

Focuses on giving a new form or structure.

FAQs

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

Use "they were adapted" to indicate that something has been modified to suit a new purpose or environment. For example, "The tools "they were adapted" for use in space exploration."

What are some alternatives to "they were adapted"?

You can use alternatives like "they were modified", "they were altered", or "they were adjusted" depending on the context.

Is it better to use the active or passive voice when using "they were adapted"?

While "they were adapted" is grammatically correct in the passive voice, consider if the active voice might be more direct and clear. For instance, instead of "the recipe was adapted by her", you could say "she adapted the recipe".

What's the difference between "they were adapted" and "they adapted"?

"They were adapted" is passive, focusing on the item being changed. "They adapted" is active, focusing on the actors doing the adapting. For example, "The book "they were adapted" into a movie" versus "The filmmakers adapted the book".