they were constructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were constructed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the building or creation of objects, structures, or systems in the past. Example: "The ancient pyramids were constructed using massive stone blocks and advanced engineering techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

At Loewe, they were constructed from leather.

Independent

They were constructed in waves of speculation beginning in 1905.

The New York Times

However they were constructed, they were a success.

The New York Times

Johnson said it was not just that the Bruins were winning, but how they were constructed.

The New York Times - Sports

Biggest disappointment The atmosphere inside Japanese stadiums because of the way they were constructed.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Kiley said pipelines were generally "environmentally benign" once they were constructed.

The New York Times

So, incidentally, are monoline insurers, since they were constructed to achieve a high credit rating.

The Economist

I saw the motives and choices better by looking at how they were constructed.

The New York Times

But they do share one characteristic with the mature classics: the obvious care with which they were constructed.

The New Yorker

There was genuine craft and guile to the team's play, the goals, and the way they were constructed.

The Guardian - Sport

They were constructed in the 14th century to raise water to aqueducts, which supplied water for drinking and irrigation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were constructed", ensure that the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a previously mentioned noun or subject to avoid ambiguity. For example, 'The houses were constructed using sustainable materials'.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice constructions like "they were constructed" in contexts where active voice would be more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of 'The bridge was constructed by the engineers', consider 'The engineers constructed the bridge'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were constructed" typically functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject (represented by "they") underwent the action of being built or created. As seen in the examples provided by Ludwig, it's often used to describe how objects, structures, or systems came into existence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were constructed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, from describing the construction of buildings to the creation of abstract concepts. While "they were built" serves as a direct alternative, "they were constructed" often adds a layer of formality or emphasizes the process. Found predominantly in "News & Media" and "Science" sources, it's crucial to ensure clarity in pronoun reference when using this phrase. Avoid overuse to maintain an engaging writing style. Understanding these nuances can significantly enhance your writing precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were built

Uses a more common synonym for "constructed", making the phrase slightly less formal.

they were created

Emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence, rather than the physical building process.

they were assembled

Suggests a process of putting parts together to form a whole.

they were manufactured

Implies a mass-production process, often used in industrial contexts.

they were fabricated

Can suggest a more intricate or deceptive creation process.

they took shape

Focuses on the development of form or structure over time.

their construction involved

Shifts the focus to the process of construction, rather than the finished product.

they arose from

Indicates the origin or source from which something was built.

the building of them

Nominalizes the verb, emphasizing the act of building itself.

their erection occurred

Uses a more formal and less common term for building, often used for large structures.

FAQs

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

You can use active voice constructions such as "they built", "they created", or "they assembled". The best option depends on the specific context and what you want to emphasize.

Is it always better to use "they built" instead of "they were constructed"?

Not always. "They were constructed" is useful when the actors are unknown or unimportant, or when you want to emphasize the object that was built. However, using "they built" can make your writing more direct and engaging when the actors are known and relevant.

What's the difference between "they were constructed" and "they were manufactured"?

"They were constructed" generally refers to a broader range of building activities, while "they were manufactured" typically implies a mass-production process, often in an industrial setting.

When should I use "they were assembled" instead of "they were constructed"?

Use "they were assembled" when referring to putting together pre-made parts or components, rather than a full building process implied by "they were constructed".