they were alerted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were alerted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has been made aware of a situation or event, often in a context of urgency or importance. Example: "When the fire alarm went off, they were alerted to evacuate the building immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were alerted to the fall by screams, however.

Independent

When they were alerted by Mission Control, Capt.

The New York Times

"I don't think they were alerted by any of us," he said.

The New York Times

They were alerted to the probability of an epidemic last August.

The New Yorker

W.H.O. officials said they were alerted to the new case by e-mail on Wednesday.

The New York Times

Police said they were alerted at 8.50am on Sunday, when a man called the ambulance service.

The Guardian

They were alerted that small items like purses and diaper bags would be inspected.

The New York Times - Sports

They were alerted to the incident by the sound of shots being fired.

The Guardian

Educators at Pyle Middle School said they were alerted to images on a student's iPod Touch last week.

The Washington Post

He said it would not be long before they were alerted to another accident or a crime.

The New York Times

Last month, officials said they were alerted to the attack by people who heard a woman in the embassy screaming.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were alerted" to indicate that a group or organization received an important notification, especially when the context involves a potential risk, emergency or requires immediate attention.

Common error

Avoid using "they were alerted" when an active voice would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "They were alerted by the alarm", consider "The alarm alerted them" if the alarm is the focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were alerted" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a group or entity received a notification or warning. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role in conveying the receipt of information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were alerted" is a common and grammatically sound passive construction used to convey that a group or entity has been informed of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate and usable in written English, particularly in contexts that require a neutral or professional tone. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, emphasizing its role in reporting events and incidents where notification is a key element. While "they were alerted" is widely accepted, writers should consider whether an active voice might offer a more direct and impactful statement. When appropriate, using "they were alerted" is an effective way to communicate that a group has received important information, often related to potential risks or necessary actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were notified

A more formal and direct synonym for "alerted".

they were informed

Highlights the act of receiving information.

they were made aware

Focuses on the process of becoming conscious or informed about something.

they received notification

Emphasizes the formal act of receiving an official notice.

they learned of

Indicates the discovery or finding out about something.

they were warned

Specifically indicates a caution about a potential danger or problem.

they were apprised of

A more formal way of saying they were informed.

they were cautioned

Highlights the act of being advised to take care or avoid danger.

they were tipped off

Suggests receiving a secret or confidential warning.

they were clued in

An informal way to indicate they received inside information.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were alerted" to indicate that a group or organization received an important notification. For example, "They were alerted to the security breach immediately".

What is a more formal alternative to "they were alerted"?

A more formal alternative is "they were notified", which is suitable for official reports or formal communication.

When should I use "they were alerted" versus "they were informed"?

"They were alerted" often implies a sense of urgency or potential danger, while "they were informed" is a more general term for receiving information.

Is "they were alerted of" grammatically correct?

While understandable, it's more grammatically correct to say "they were alerted to" the issue or situation.