they were completed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were completed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a task or project has been finished by someone or something. Example: "The reports were due last week, and I’m pleased to inform you that they were completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They were completed in 1996 by a host of artisans.

The New York Times

Logically, therefore, his works often acquired titles only after they were completed.

The New York Times - Arts

The Port Authority commissioned the buildings from Mr. Yamasaki in 1962; they were completed in 1976.

The New York Times

They were completed in time for the first anniversary of Ike.

The New York Times

Few such medieval spires survive (though often they were completed in the 19th century).

Encyclopedia Britannica

On average, it has been more than 13 months since they were completed.

The New York Times

But they were completed and could be checked off the teams' relentless 162-game schedules.

The New York Times - Sports

They were completed posthumously in 2008 and were to remain on view for 25 years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When they were completed, New York's delegation to Congress argued over details of the transfer for most of this year.

The New York Times

List was fascinated by the artists of her day, often buying works just as they were completed.

The New York Times - Arts

(Many apartment buildings and commercial structures, by contrast, were built to sell to investors after they were completed and occupied).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were completed" to clearly indicate that a task, project, or process has reached its final stage. Ensure the subject of 'they' is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they were completed" when referring to a singular subject. Instead, use "it was completed" or rephrase the sentence to ensure subject-verb agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were completed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject ('they') has undergone the action of being completed. It highlights the result of the action rather than the actor. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

23%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were completed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates the finished state of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific and general writing. While versatile, it's essential to ensure subject-verb agreement and choose the appropriate tense to maintain clarity and accuracy. Replacing it with alternatives like "they were finalized" or "they were finished" can add nuance or formality depending on the desired tone. Remember to avoid using it with singular subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were finalized

Replaces "completed" with a synonym emphasizing the finality of the action.

they were finished

A simpler and more direct way of saying something was completed.

they were concluded

Suggests a more formal or official completion.

they were executed

Implies the completion of a plan or task with precision.

they were accomplished

Emphasizes the successful completion of something.

they were implemented

Focuses on the completion of putting something into effect.

they were achieved

Highlights the attainment of a goal or objective.

they were fulfilled

Suggests that a requirement or expectation has been met.

they were realized

Implies the actualization or bringing into being of something.

they were brought to fruition

A more elaborate way of saying something was fully developed and completed.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they were completed" to sound more active?

You can rephrase "they were completed" into an active voice by saying "the team completed them", "the project team completed them", or "we completed them" depending on the context. Ensure the new subject aligns with who performed the completion.

Is there a difference between "they were completed" and "they are completed"?

Yes, "they were completed" indicates that the action of completing happened in the past, whereas "they are completed" implies that the action is finished in the present. Choose the tense that accurately reflects when the completion occurred.

What's a formal alternative to "they were completed"?

A more formal alternative to "they were completed" could be "they were finalized", "they were executed", or "they were concluded", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. For example, if documents are involved, use "they were finalized".

How to use "they were completed" in a sentence about a project?

You can use "they were completed" in a sentence like, "The project milestones were ambitious, but "they were completed" ahead of schedule" or "The final reports "they were completed" and submitted to the client last week".