they were considered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were considered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how a group or individual is perceived or judged by others. Example: "In the study, they were considered the most effective team in the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They were considered unhealthy.

The New York Times - Arts

They were considered too difficult.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They were considered quite scandalous.

The New York Times

They were considered as (genetic) variants.

Plosone

They were considered terrorists.

The New Yorker

They were considered traitors.

The New York Times

They were considered transgressive".

The New York Times - Books

They were considered death traps.

The New York Times

They were considered child gods.

The New York Times

They were considered yet loving.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They were considered trite, gossipy, vain, slow and useless.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were considered" to introduce a shift in perspective or understanding over time. For instance, "Initially, they were considered a threat, but later they became allies".

Common error

Avoid using "they were considered" without specifying by whom or under what criteria. This can lead to ambiguity and weaken the impact of your statement. Add a clarifying phrase to strengthen it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were considered" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group or individuals were subjected to a particular assessment or judgment. This is highlighted by Ludwig, which offers multiple examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

42%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were considered" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to convey past perceptions or judgments. As Ludwig AI indicates, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and general writing. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to specify the source or basis of the consideration. Alternatives like "they were deemed" or "they were regarded as" can provide subtle shifts in meaning. By avoiding vague usage and providing context, writers can effectively employ this phrase to enhance the clarity and impact of their statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were deemed

Replaces "considered" with "deemed", implying a more formal judgment or assessment.

they were regarded as

Uses "regarded as" instead of "considered", suggesting a common opinion or view.

they were viewed as

Substitutes "considered" with "viewed as", focusing on a particular perspective or outlook.

they were seen as

Replaces "considered" with "seen as", indicating a general perception or impression.

they were thought of as

Uses "thought of as" instead of "considered", suggesting a mental association or belief.

they were believed to be

Replaces "considered" with "believed to be", emphasizing a conviction or faith.

they were understood to be

Uses "understood to be" instead of "considered", highlighting a shared knowledge or consensus.

they were recognized as

Substitutes "considered" with "recognized as", emphasizing a formal acknowledgment or identification.

they were classified as

Replaces "considered" with "classified as", implying a systematic categorization or grouping.

they were labeled as

Uses "labeled as" instead of "considered", suggesting a descriptive term or identifier.

FAQs

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

Use "they were considered" to indicate a past perception or judgment. For instance, "They were considered pioneers in the field of genetic engineering".

What phrases are similar to "they were considered"?

Alternatives include "they were deemed", "they were regarded as", or "they were viewed as", all indicating a form of assessment or perception.

Is "they were considered" formal or informal?

"They were considered" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding vocabulary and subject matter. It is neutral in tone and widely understood.

What's the difference between "they were considered" and "they were thought to be"?

"They were considered" implies a more formal or public evaluation, while "they were thought to be" suggests a more personal or speculative belief. For example, "They were considered experts" suggests widespread recognition, whereas "They were thought to be spies" indicates suspicion or conjecture.