they were compensated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were compensated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations where individuals or groups received payment or benefits in exchange for their work, services, or losses. Example: "After the project was completed, they were compensated for their time and effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

They were compensated".

The New Yorker

They were compensated well.

The New York Times - Travel

They were compensated for their work a few months after the news broke, receiving up to £3,000 each.

The Guardian

In Soviet days, he said, they could detain people on misdemeanor charges and write traffic tickets, and they were compensated if injured while on patrol.

The New York Times

These subsidies fuel health-care inflation and favour rich employees, who would pay higher taxes if they were compensated with wages alone.

The Economist

Mr. Fung said that however they were compensated, getting the right people to run the family office was key to its success.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

They are compensated for 120 unused vacation days.

The New York Times

They are compensated by the romantic fever that the sexual postponement generates.

The New Yorker

If the retirees do not have to prove they sustained concussions, how will they be compensated?

The New York Times - Sports

So asking how they're compensated will help you identify potential conflicts of interest.

The New York Times

The ministerial meeting follows demands by EU farmers, particularly in Spain, that they be compensated for losses.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were compensated" when you want to emphasize that a group or individuals received something (usually money or other benefits) in return for work, loss, or damage. It's especially useful in formal or legal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "they were compensated" if the subjects received something that doesn't truly make up for the initial loss or damage. "They were given a token gift" is more accurate if the compensation was minimal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were compensated" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a group or individuals received payment or benefits. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. The passive voice emphasizes that they are the recipients of the compensation, rather than the actors providing it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were compensated" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase signifying that a group or individuals received payment or benefits for services, losses, or damages. As Ludwig confirms, it's considered correct in written English. Its prevalence across various sources—especially News & Media and Science—highlights its versatility and neutrality. While it's suitable for formal contexts, it avoids overly technical or informal language. To enhance clarity, consider alternatives like "they received payment" or "they were reimbursed" depending on the context. The key is to ensure the chosen phrase accurately reflects the nature of the compensation provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they received compensation

Replaces the passive voice with an active voice construction, focusing on the act of receiving.

they were remunerated

Uses a more formal synonym for "compensated", indicating a professional context.

they were reimbursed

Implies a repayment of expenses or losses, rather than payment for services.

they were paid

A simpler, more direct alternative, suitable for general contexts.

they obtained restitution

Highlights the legal aspect of receiving compensation for a wrong.

compensation was provided to them

Alters the sentence structure to emphasize "compensation" as the subject.

they benefited from amends

This phrase highlights that they were compensated for the damages.

they were given recompense

Recompense implies a formal or legal context where amends were offered.

they were indemnified

This phrase indicates that they were protected against loss or damage.

they were given financial settlement

This highlights that it was resolved with an agreed amount of money.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they were compensated" for better clarity?

Consider alternatives like "they received payment", "they were reimbursed", or "they were given restitution" to more precisely convey the type of compensation. For instance, use "they received payment" for services and "they were reimbursed" for expenses.

Is it appropriate to use "they were compensated" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "they were compensated" is more suited for formal or professional contexts. In informal writing, simpler alternatives such as "they got paid" or "they were paid" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "they were compensated" and "they were rewarded"?

"They were compensated" implies a return for loss, damages, or services, while "they were rewarded" suggests recognition for exceptional merit or achievement. You compensate someone for a loss, but you reward them for exceeding expectations or behaving well. For instance use the expression: "they were rewarded" for their efforts.

Can "they were compensated" be used to describe non-monetary benefits?

Yes, "they were compensated" can extend beyond financial remuneration to include benefits like additional time off, better work conditions, or other perks that serve as recompense. However, be sure the context makes it clear that "they received benefits" as a form of compensation.