they were attached

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were attached" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a connection or bond between people, objects, or ideas in various contexts. Example: "Despite their differences, they were attached by a shared passion for music."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In other words, they were attached by a slender thread.

The New Yorker

Originally they were attached to the Commerce-Justice-State spending bill.

The New York Times

They were attached with a little rope, but I still had vertigo watching them.

The Guardian - Arts

Runners went by her as if they were attached to a faster pulley.

The New York Times - Sports

Nearly a quarter of the women polled said they were attached to their periods as a natural part of womanhood.

The New York Times - Health

They were attached to his medical chart, and stipulated that she must be contacted immediately as death approached.

The New Yorker

They were attached to battery-operated televisions, many of which were tuned to the American prime-time soap opera "Dallas".

The New York Times - Books

They were attached deep within; she felt their stony roots stirring under the skin surface, pulling at her muscles.

The New Yorker

For the upgrade, they were attached instead to a system of pendulums, which insulated them even further from seismic tremors.

The New Yorker

Some participants likely regarded the contraptions — to which, after all, they were attached — as a mild temptation or a moment's amusement.

The New Yorker

"If you just do it, others will come around to realize they were attached to old ways that were not as good...

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were attached", ensure the context clearly indicates what "they" refers to and what they are attached to. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the attachment implies a specific type of relationship (e.g., physical, emotional, functional) without providing explicit context. Be clear about the nature of the attachment to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were attached" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (they) underwent the action of being attached. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Unknown

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were attached" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe a state of connection or association. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its common usage spans across diverse fields, from news and media to science and encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the nature of the attachment to prevent any potential misinterpretations. Consider using synonyms like "they were connected" or "they were linked" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were connected

Emphasizes a link or relationship between them, focusing on the state of being joined or related.

they were linked

Highlights a direct connection, suggesting a cause-and-effect relationship or a shared characteristic.

they were joined

Implies a physical or metaphorical union, suggesting a merging or combination.

they were associated

Suggests a looser relationship, implying a correlation or connection without necessarily indicating direct dependence.

they were bound

Emphasizes a strong, often unbreakable, connection or obligation.

they were affixed

Focuses on the physical act of attaching something, emphasizing the process of joining.

they were coupled

Highlights the pairing or linking of two things, often in a functional relationship.

they were tied

Suggests a connection that limits movement or independence, often implying a restriction.

they were related

Indicates a common origin or characteristic, suggesting a family or logical connection.

they were integral

Emphasizes that they formed an essential part of a whole.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were attached" to describe a connection between two or more things. For example, "The ornaments and tinsel "they were attached" to the Christmas tree with care."

What are some alternatives to saying "they were attached"?

Alternatives include phrases like "they were connected", "they were linked", or "they were joined", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "they were attached to" or "they were attached with"?

Both "they were attached to" and "they were attached with" are grammatically correct, but "they were attached to" is more common when indicating what something is connected to, while "they were attached with" is used when specifying the means of attachment (e.g., glue, screws).

What does "they were attached" imply in a figurative sense?

Figuratively, "they were attached" can imply a strong emotional bond or dependence. For example, "Despite their differences, "they were attached" by a shared history."