they were addressed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were addressed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of speaking to or directing comments towards a group of people or individuals. Example: "During the meeting, they were addressed by the CEO regarding the new company policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To all mankind they were addressed, those cries for help still ringing in our ears!

The Guardian - Books

The abuses detailed in the ruling continued for several years before they were addressed.

The Economist

Our "princesses," as they were addressed by all Disney personnel at all times, had the time of their lives.

The New York Times - Travel

They were addressed by Pastor Alfreda Wiggins of the St Luke Methodist Church one block from the station.

The Guardian

But neglect was smartly brushed off by the vividness with which they were addressed by the Henry Street Chamber Opera.

The New York Times - Arts

Dr. Altenkirch said he understood the concerns of legislators but believed that they were addressed in the proposal to have an independent university in Newark.

The New York Times

Adam Smith wrote it; I only quote it: Such as they were, however, those arguments convinced the people to whom they were addressed.

The Guardian - Opinion

MI5 tried to approach him to try and persuade him to tone down his jihadist rulings, at least insofar as they were addressed to a potential audience here.

The Guardian

Brennan added he agreed with British officials that the bombs were intended to bring down planes in flight, even though they were addressed to synagogues in Chicago.

The Guardian

The nation's first century of inaugural speeches, even when they were addressed to the people, served to mark an incoming President's covenant with the Constitution.

The New Yorker

They were addressed to President Tudjman and signed by his son, Miroslav Tudjman, who was the wartime director of HIS, Croatia's intelligence agency.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were addressed" when you want to emphasize the act of directing speech or communication toward a specific group, especially in formal or official contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "they were addressed" when the active voice would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "they were addressed by the manager", consider "the manager addressed them" if the actor is important to the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were addressed" primarily functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group or individuals received communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used. The examples show its use in news, scientific reports, and formal business communications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were addressed" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that a group received communication or attention. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across news, scientific, and formal contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider whether the active voice might provide a clearer, more direct alternative. The phrase is generally neutral to formal in register, making it appropriate for professional settings. Consider alternatives such as "they were spoken to" or "they were informed" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were spoken to

Focuses on the act of speaking to someone, altering the emphasis slightly from directing a message.

they were lectured

Implies a more formal and potentially critical communication than a simple address.

they were briefed

Suggests a concise and informative communication, often for a specific purpose.

they were counselled

Indicates advice or guidance was given, adding a layer of support or direction.

they were informed

Highlights the conveyance of information, making the action more about imparting knowledge.

they were notified

Focuses on the act of giving official notice, a more formal and less personal approach.

they received remarks

Emphasizes the reception of comments or speeches, altering the direction of the action.

they were hailed

Highlights the act of praise or recognition, adding a positive connotation to the interaction.

they were targeted

Indicates a specific focus on a group, adding a potentially strategic or critical aspect.

they were approached

Focuses on the act of making contact or initiating communication, broadening the scope beyond direct speech.

FAQs

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

Use "they were addressed" when you want to emphasize that a group received communication. For example: "They were addressed by the speaker regarding the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "they were addressed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "they were spoken to", "they were informed", or "they were notified".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "they were addressed"?

While "they were addressed" is grammatically correct, consider using the active voice (e.g., "the speaker addressed them") if you want to emphasize the person or entity doing the addressing.

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

"They were addressed" is in the passive voice, meaning they received the communication. "They addressed" is in the active voice, meaning they initiated the communication.