they were advised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were advised" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that someone received guidance or recommendations from another party. Example: "After reviewing the situation, they were advised to seek legal counsel before proceeding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were advised to answer questions honestly.

The New Yorker

They were advised to fudge the book's premise about Jesus.

The New York Times

Instead, they were advised to crochet their Chanel suits themselves.

The New Yorker

They were advised that the announcement had to be made.

The Guardian

They were advised instead to work through Congress.

The Economist

They were advised to find interim housing elsewhere.

The New York Times

The Ravens simply had to jack up their offense to repeat, they were advised incessantly.

The New York Times - Sports

(Instead, they were advised to get a refund; they bought tickets for a Saturday matinee).

The New York Times

They were advised against continuing to fight through the courts, as this would have taken years.

The Guardian

They were advised not to go to the mosque for services, lest they be bombed.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were advised by an accounting firm, to which the foundation paid a $5,000 fee in recent years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were advised", ensure the context clearly indicates who provided the advice. Specifying the source of the advice adds credibility and clarity to your writing.

Common error

While "they were advised" is grammatically correct, excessive use of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or unclear. Consider rephrasing to use the active voice when appropriate for a more direct and engaging style. For example, instead of "they were advised to do X", try "[Name] advised them to do X".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were advised" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group received guidance or a recommendation. Ludwig's examples showcase its common usage in conveying that individuals or entities were given specific instructions or suggestions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were advised" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that conveys guidance or recommendations given to a group. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is common in News & Media and Science contexts, showcasing a neutral register suitable for various communication styles. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the source of the advice and avoiding overuse of the passive voice for stronger writing. Consider alternatives like "they received counsel" or "they were recommended" to add nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were recommended

Focuses on a specific suggestion or endorsement that was offered.

they were given guidance

Uses "given guidance" to highlight the act of providing direction or advice.

they received counsel

Replaces "advised" with "counsel", emphasizing a more formal or professional consultation.

they were instructed

Implies a more directive form of advice, suggesting a set of commands or orders.

they were informed

Suggests that information was conveyed, which may or may not include explicit advice.

advice was given to them

Rephrases the sentence in a slightly more formal tone and changes the sentence structure.

they were told

A more general term indicating that they received information or instructions.

they sought advice

Highlights the action of seeking advice rather than the act of advising.

they consulted with

Shift to an active voice implying that the subjects actively sought advice.

they were shown

Indicates demonstration of how things are done, that is also advice

FAQs

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

The phrase "they were advised" indicates that a group of people received guidance or recommendations. For example, "After the incident, they were advised to contact their lawyer." You can replace "they" with any plural noun or pronoun.

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

You can use alternatives like "they received counsel", "they were given guidance", or "they were recommended" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "they were advised" or "they had been advised"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "they were advised" is simple past tense, indicating advice given at a specific time. "They had been advised" is past perfect, indicating advice given before a specific time in the past. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the timing of the advice in your narrative.

What's the difference between "they were advised" and "they were warned"?

"They were advised" implies receiving guidance or recommendations, while "they were warned" indicates receiving a caution about potential dangers or negative consequences. For example, "they were advised" to invest cautiously, but "they were warned" about the risks of high-yield bonds.