they were corrupted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were corrupted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals or entities have been morally or ethically compromised, often due to external influences or pressures. Example: "The officials were found to be involved in a scandal, revealing that they were corrupted by bribes and kickbacks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"They were corrupted; they were irresponsible.

The New York Times

"You did not hear a single witness questioned about whether they were corrupted," he said.

The New York Times

Problems with evidence, including thousands of e-mail messages that were previously overlooked because they were corrupted, resulted in the case being dropped, the prosecutor, Richard Latham, said.

The New York Times

The accounts by his companions are unreliable, Mr. Chapman said, because they were "corrupted and influenced" by Mexican consular officials who met them afterward.

The New York Times

Kramer, in turn, viewed those who ruled the amateur game as more concerned with maintaining their power than enhancing the sport and felt they were corrupted by undercover payments to players.

The New York Times - Sports

There was (in his eyes) a comparison to be made, for example, between the personal conduct of Tiberius and that of Domitian, not that they were the same kind of men but that they were corrupted by similar conditions of dynastic power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Some pageant organizers said they were frustrated by the suggestion that they were corrupting girls.

The New York Times

Home-video consoles, that were growing in popularity through the 1990s, were officially banned in 2000 for fear that they were corrupting Chinese youth.

BBC

He blamed the Partisans for the destruction of traditional Serb society, religion and morals, claiming that they were corrupting women and the young, and promoting incest and immorality.

Wikipedia

Now assume that the coded packets arranged in are transmitted and they are corrupted by errors.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Packets must be retransmitted when they are corrupted in transmission from hop h in path p with probability Pd p,h).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were corrupted", ensure the context clearly identifies what 'they' refers to and what the source of the corruption is. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "they were corrupted" without providing any context or explanation as to how or why the subjects became corrupt. Provide supporting details to strengthen your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were corrupted" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group or entity has been negatively affected by an external force, leading to a decline in integrity or morality. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were corrupted" is a commonly used passive construction to express that a group or entity has experienced a decline in integrity or morality due to external forces. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Usage ranges from news and media to scientific discussions. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide specific context to ensure clarity and avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives include "they were compromised" or "they had been tainted". Be mindful of the negative connotation and provide supporting details to strengthen your claim. The Ludwig AI assessment confirms the phrase's validity and relevance in modern English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they had been tainted

Focuses on the loss of purity or integrity due to negative influence.

they were compromised

Highlights a weakening or vulnerability due to external factors.

they had been perverted

Emphasizes a distortion or deviation from an original, pure state.

they were morally bankrupt

Specifically refers to a lack of ethical principles or values.

they were led astray

Indicates being misguided or influenced into wrongdoing.

they were ruined

Emphasizes the severe damage or destruction that occurred.

they were debased

Highlights a reduction in quality or status.

they were subverted

Suggests an undermining of power or authority from within.

they were demoralized

Focuses on a loss of spirit or confidence.

their values deteriorated

Emphasizes the decline in the quality of moral principles.

FAQs

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

Use "they were corrupted" to describe a group that has been negatively influenced, especially regarding morality or integrity. For example, "The politicians "they were corrupted" by the lobbyists' money".

What's a more formal way to say "they were corrupted"?

More formal alternatives include "they were compromised", "they were tainted", or "their integrity was compromised". These options offer a more professional tone while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it always negative to say "they were corrupted"?

Yes, "they were corrupted" typically carries a negative connotation, implying a decline in moral or ethical standards. It suggests a loss of purity or integrity due to negative influences.

What is the difference between "they were corrupted" and "they were influenced"?

"They were influenced" is a more general term, indicating that someone or something had an effect on 'them'. "They were corrupted" specifically implies a negative and damaging influence, leading to a decline in moral or ethical standards.