they were debriefed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were debriefed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where individuals have been questioned or informed about a situation, often after a mission or event. Example: "After the operation, they were debriefed to gather information about their experiences and any issues encountered."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Upon submission of their designs they were debriefed about their design processes.

Design Studies

When they were debriefed afterward, some said, "Clearly he was asked to increase the force," Dr. Wolpert said.

The New York Times - Health

Three of the men eventually reached West Berlin, where they were debriefed by the Central Intelligence Agency.

The New York Times

After the subjects completed the second round, they were debriefed.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

They were debriefed after the second session and paid for their time.

Plosone

After each assessment, they were thanked for their effort and paid, and after the final assessment they were debriefed.

Cognitive Therapy and Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

After the study, subjects were debriefed on what they had perceived.

Plosone

After each condition, the subjects were debriefed about how well they could perform the task.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

They sought sanctuary in the United States embassy and were debriefed by the CIA.

BBC

They were naïve as to the goals of the experiments, but were debriefed at the end.

Nature

Subjects were debriefed with a postscan questionnaire to assess whether they had learned the experimental contingencies.

Cerebral Cortex

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were debriefed", ensure the context clearly indicates who 'they' refers to and that the debriefing involved a structured questioning or information-gathering process after an event or mission.

Common error

Avoid using "they were debriefed" loosely. This phrase implies a formal process of gathering information, often after a specific event or task. If the context involves a casual conversation or simple update, consider using alternatives like "they were informed" or "they were updated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were debriefed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group of individuals received a structured interview or questioning after an event or task. Ludwig examples show its use in reporting after-action procedures, experiments, and intelligence gathering.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were debriefed" is a grammatically correct passive construction that indicates a structured interview or questioning process after an event. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used to convey systematic information collection in various contexts. While primarily found in scientific, news, and formal business settings, its neutral register makes it suitable for conveying information in a professional and organized way. Ludwig's examples demonstrate usage in scientific studies, news reports, and post-mission reviews, making it clear that this phrase is reserved for situations requiring formal information gathering.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were interviewed

This alternative replaces "debriefed" with "interviewed", focusing on the questioning aspect of the debriefing process.

they were questioned

This option highlights the inquiry nature of the debriefing, emphasizing that they were asked questions.

they were consulted

This suggests seeking advice or information from them, fitting some debriefing scenarios.

they were briefed

This emphasizes the informational aspect, meaning they received instructions or updates after an event, contrasting with providing information.

they were interrogated

This implies a more intense and formal questioning process, often used in legal or security contexts.

they provided feedback

This focuses on their input and insights shared during the debriefing, rather than the questioning itself.

their accounts were taken

This highlights the act of recording or documenting their experiences and information.

they reported back

This focuses on the act of them reporting information, usually after completing a task or mission.

they underwent a post-mission review

This phrase is more formal and specific, indicating a structured review process following a mission or operation.

they participated in an after-action review

This is similar to a post-mission review, emphasizing a systematic analysis of what happened and what could be improved.

FAQs

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

Use "they were debriefed" to indicate that a group of people were questioned or interviewed, typically after completing a task or experiencing an event. For example: "After the mission, "they were debriefed" about the operation".

What is a simpler way to say "they were debriefed"?

Simpler alternatives include "they were interviewed" or "they were questioned". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "they were debriefed"?

Use "they were debriefed" when the situation involves a formal process of gathering information from individuals who have firsthand knowledge of an event or operation. It implies a structured interview or questioning session.

What's the difference between "they were debriefed" and "they were informed"?

"They were debriefed" suggests a two-way exchange where information is gathered from them, usually after an event. "They were informed" means information was given to them. For example, "They were informed about the changes to the policy".