they were composed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were composed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the creation or formation of something, often in a literary or artistic context. Example: "The symphony was remarkable because they were composed by a young prodigy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They were composed from the heart.

The Guardian

"I just liked the way they were composed," he said.

The New Yorker

They were composed between May and September 1948 to three poems by Hermann Hesse and one by Joseph von Eichendorff.

The New York Times - Arts

But you are required to listen to the Tracks that correspond to the Pieces for which they were composed.

The New Yorker

To hear them for the instruments they were composed for, the Ensemble Aventure's recording is a terrific introduction.

The New Yorker

Some were painted in bright colours so as to emphasise the geometric elements of which they were composed.

The Guardian

The Buru novels are epic in more senses than one, for, like Homer's poems, they were composed orally.

The New Yorker

They were composed in minutes, without the knowledge of No 10, as "a personal favour to Derek.

The Guardian

The stories read as if they were composed at one sitting, and they have the spontaneity of a running stream".

The New Yorker

It is not known why they were composed; possibly Mozart had a summer concert season in mind.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the wide consensus was that the Yankees, as they were composed on opening day, were good enough to win the World Series again.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were composed", ensure clarity regarding the subject and what 'they' refers to. This phrase is effective when describing the origins or structure of artistic works, documents, or complex systems.

Common error

Avoid using "they were composed" without a clear antecedent for 'they'. Ensure the reader knows what is being referred to in order to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were composed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a group or collection was brought into existence or structured by an external agent or process. Ludwig's examples illustrate usage across diverse domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were composed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction to describe the creation or formation of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic entries. While suitable for both neutral and formal registers, it's crucial to ensure clarity regarding the antecedent of 'they' to avoid ambiguity. When alternative phrasings are needed, options such as "they were created", "they were written", or "they were formed" can be considered based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were created

Focuses on the act of creation, emphasizing the result rather than the process or source.

they were written

Specifically refers to written works, such as documents or literature.

they were formed

Highlights the process of coming into existence or being structured.

they were made up of

Emphasizes the constituent parts or elements that constitute the whole.

they consisted of

Similar to "made up of", but often used in more formal contexts.

they were constructed

Implies a deliberate building or assembly process.

they were designed

Focuses on the planning and intention behind the creation.

they were developed

Suggests a gradual evolution or refinement over time.

they were authored

Specifically highlights the author or creator of a work.

they were originated

Emphasizes the source or beginning of something.

FAQs

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

Use "they were composed" to describe the creation or formation of something. For example, "The songs "they were composed" for the musical were very beautiful."

What is a good alternative to "they were composed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "they were created", "they were written", or "they were formed", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "they were composed" or "they were created"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "they were composed" is typically used when referring to artistic works like music or literature. "They were created" is more general and can apply to a broader range of subjects.

Can "they were composed" be used in active voice?

"They were composed" is already in the passive voice. To use active voice, rephrase the sentence to something like, "Anonymous Serbian poets composed them."