Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
they were authored
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "they were authored" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the creation or writing of a work, such as a book, article, or document, by one or more individuals. Example: "The reports were authored by a team of experts in the field."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
Does it change your opinion of the above words to know that they were authored by a robot?
News & Media
His tone is so supine and humble that the reader is bound to wonder if these words are actually Whitley's, or whether they were authored, in the manner of the KGB, by someone else.
News & Media
It was hypothesised that having patient and clinician accounts read as pieces of literature, as if they were authored texts by humanities experts, may yield new insights into the patient experience.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
While mathematical models may be informed by data, they are authored by humans.
News & Media
According to the product team, they are authored by Twitter's curation group.
News & Media
Today we have many religions that do funding and they're authoring their own agenda.
News & Media
In a field of craftsmen, they were authors -- or auteurs, to use Cahiers' soon to be indelible term.
News & Media
They were authors of their own downfall initially, after Ash Handley spilling Thurston's towering kick allowed Kane Linnett to cross unchallenged.
News & Media
Many of the listed co-authors did not know they were authors and their signatures had been forged in the copyright transfer.
Science
They're authors.
News & Media
They are authors of The Democracy Advantage: How Democracies Promote Prosperity and Peace.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "they were authored" when you want to emphasize the formal creation or writing of a work by a specific person or group.
Common error
Avoid using "they were authored" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "they were written" or "they were created" for better clarity and flow.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "they were authored" functions as a passive construction indicating the act of creating or writing something. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. Examples show its use in various contexts, such as referring to reports or texts created by specific entities.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Science
30%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "they were authored" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to formally indicate the creation or writing of something by a specific entity. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While generally neutral to formal, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. For more casual settings, alternatives like "they were written" or "they were created" may be more appropriate. The phrase serves to clearly attribute authorship and establish responsibility for the content.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
they were written
Focuses on the writing aspect of authorship, substituting "authored" with "written".
they were created
Emphasizes the act of creation rather than specifically writing, broadening the context slightly.
they were composed
Highlights the act of putting something together in a structured manner, often used for music or formal documents.
they originated from
Shifts the focus to the source or origin of the work rather than the act of authoring.
they were produced
Focuses on the production or manufacturing aspect, suitable for works that involve more than just writing.
they were penned
Emphasizes the act of writing by hand, adding a touch of old-fashioned formality.
they were drafted
Suggests the creation of an initial version or outline, common in legal or official contexts.
they were formulated
Highlights the careful planning and development of an idea or concept.
they were devised
Focuses on the inventive or ingenious aspect of creating something.
they were conceived
Emphasizes the initial idea or inspiration behind the creation.
FAQs
What can I say instead of "they were authored"?
You can use alternatives like "they were written", "they were created", or "they originated from" depending on the context.
Is "they were authored" formal or informal?
"They were authored" leans towards a more formal tone. In less formal contexts, consider using phrases like "they were written".
How to use "they were authored" in a sentence?
Use "they were authored" to indicate who or what created a specific piece of work. For example, "The reports were authored by a team of experts."
What's the difference between "they were authored" and "they were written"?
While similar, "they were authored" often implies a more formal or official creation process compared to "they were written", which is more general.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested