they were associated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were associated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a connection or relationship between people, groups, or concepts in various contexts. Example: "The researchers found that they were associated with a higher risk of developing the disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Academia

Encyclopedias

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They were associated with Tutsis," the R.P.F.

The New Yorker

"The firm they were associated with was somewhat irrelevant".

The New York Times

"They were associated with Tutsis," the R.F.P. sergeant who showed me around the site explained….

The New Yorker

Books began to acquire a devotional aura; they were associated with privacy, feeling, tenderness.

The New Yorker

At first, some schools banned them entirely because they were associated with activities such as drug dealing, she said.

The New York Times

"They were apprehended because we had good information they were associated with Taliban activity," she said.

The New York Times

Mr. Donohue began researching the drugs, and learned they were associated with cognitive problems.

The New York Times

The FBI described in depth how it believed the five had worked together and how they were associated with their various pseudonymous social media, phone and email accounts.

The Guardian - Tech

They were associated with Art Nouveau and the 19th century, and Tiffany refused to acknowledge the new Art Deco with its streamlined, dynamic forms.

The New York Times

"In the short- to medium-term we didn't find any evidence that they were associated with any serious side-effects," she added.

The Guardian

Little wonder, then, that spirits were divine offerings, or that they were associated with the wish for long or eternal life.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were associated", ensure that the relationship or connection is clearly defined within the context to avoid ambiguity. Specify what they were associated with and the nature of the association.

Common error

Avoid using "they were associated" without specifying the nature or context of the association. Being vague can lead to misinterpretations. Always clarify the specific link or relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were associated" functions as a declarative statement indicating a connection or relationship between multiple entities. Ludwig AI suggests that the expression is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were associated" is a grammatically correct and very common way to express a connection or relationship between multiple entities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts. Its usage spans from formal scientific publications to general news articles, highlighting its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure the nature of the association is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "they were linked" or "they were connected" can offer nuanced variations in meaning, depending on the specific context you intend to convey. The most frequent usage of "they were associated" appears in science and news media, confirming its relevance in providing objective and informative content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were linked

Replaces 'associated' with 'linked', emphasizing a direct connection or relationship.

they were connected

Substitutes 'associated' with 'connected', highlighting a bond or relationship.

they were related

Uses 'related' instead of 'associated', suggesting a connection or correlation.

they were affiliated

Replaces 'associated' with 'affiliated', implying a formal connection or membership.

they were tied to

Suggests a strong connection or dependency, replacing 'associated' with 'tied to'.

they were involved in

Implies participation or connection, substituting 'associated' with 'involved in'.

they were known for

Focuses on recognition or reputation, using 'known for' instead of 'associated'.

they were identified with

Highlights identification or symbolic connection, replacing 'associated' with 'identified with'.

they were in partnership with

Implies a collaborative relationship, substituting 'associated' with 'in partnership with'.

they were in league with

Suggests a conspiratorial or strategic alliance, using 'in league with' instead of 'associated'.

FAQs

What does "they were associated" mean?

The phrase "they were associated" means that there was a connection, relationship, or link between multiple entities. The nature of the association can vary depending on the context.

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

You can use alternatives like "they were linked", "they were connected", or "they were related" depending on the context.

How do I use "they were associated" in a sentence?

Use "they were associated" to indicate a relationship or connection between subjects. For example, "The symptoms they experienced were associated with the new medication."

Is it better to say "they were associated with" or "they were related to"?

Both "they were associated with" and "they were related to" can be correct, but they imply slightly different relationships. "Associated" suggests a general connection, while "related" often implies a direct or causal link. Choose the term that best fits the specific relationship you're describing.