they were deserted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were deserted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a place or group of people has been abandoned or left empty. Example: "After the storm passed, the once-bustling village was eerily quiet, as they were deserted by all its inhabitants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

They were deserted.

The New York Times - Sports

His successor, Brian Cornell, was horrified to find, on an unannounced visit to some of the Canadian shops, that they were deserted on the Saturday before Christmas.

The Economist

Abuja nightlife used to centre on the many beer gardens where people went after work, but after attacks by Boko Haram they were deserted; the white plastic chairs and tables empty under the mango trees.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

They didn't stay around to watch what happened to the house they were deserting any more than Mom and Dad had the home our family had abandoned.

The New York Times - Magazine

Only three members of Mr. Fujimori's cabinet showed up for work today, and at least five Fujimori allies in Congress announced that they were deserting his coalition.

The New York Times

Some reports said that they were deserting him, but it seems that they were hedging their bets rather than wholeheartedly support the protesters.The official demand of the Maidan, however, remains the resignation of government and president.

The Economist

Reports that they were deserting the president look premature: it seems they were hedging their bets rather than wholeheartedly backing the protesters.The main demand of the Maidan remains the resignation of the government and the president.

The Economist

That is why we call dry places deserts — they are deserted.

The New York Times - Science

At times they're deserted, at other times, filled with life".

Vice

Increasingly, they are deserting the football grounds.

The Economist

They are deserting the country, withdrawing $6.7 billion so far in 2008.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were deserted" to describe places or groups that have been abandoned or left empty, focusing on the resulting state of emptiness or lack of inhabitants. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the consequences of abandonment.

Common error

Avoid using "they were deserted" when referring to a temporary absence. The phrase typically implies a more permanent or significant abandonment. For temporary situations, consider phrases like "they were temporarily empty" or "they were unoccupied for the moment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were deserted" functions primarily as a descriptive statement, indicating that a subject (represented by "they") has been abandoned or left empty. This usage is supported by Ludwig's examples where the phrase describes the state of places like Olympic venues or streets.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were deserted" effectively describes a state of abandonment or emptiness. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and usable across various contexts, primarily in news, encyclopedias, and wikis. While not extremely common, the phrase conveys a clear sense of desolation or vacancy. When using the phrase, consider the scope and duration of the abandonment to ensure accuracy, and explore alternatives like "they were abandoned" or "they were left empty" to add nuance. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing, offering a versatile tool for conveying a specific sense of place or situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were abandoned

Replaces "deserted" with "abandoned", emphasizing the act of being left behind.

they were left empty

Focuses on the resulting state of emptiness after being vacated.

they were evacuated

Highlights a forced or organized departure, differing from a voluntary abandonment.

they were forsaken

Adds a stronger emotional tone, implying a sense of being utterly abandoned and alone.

they were vacated

Emphasizes the action of leaving a place empty, often in a formal context.

they were uninhabited

Focuses on the state of not being lived in, implying a long-term absence of residents.

they were isolated

Highlights the state of being separated from others, possibly leading to a feeling of abandonment.

they were shunned

Suggests an active avoidance or rejection by others, leading to a state of being deserted.

they were depopulated

Emphasizes a significant reduction in population, resulting in a deserted environment.

they were forsaken and alone

Combines the ideas of being deserted with a sense of loneliness and isolation.

FAQs

What does "they were deserted" mean?

The phrase "they were deserted" means that a place or group of people has been abandoned or left empty. It emphasizes the resulting state of emptiness and absence.

What can I say instead of "they were deserted"?

You can use alternatives like "they were abandoned", "they were left empty", or "they were vacated" depending on the context.

Is "they were deserted" formal or informal?

The phrase "they were deserted" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

How do I use "they were deserted" in a sentence?

You can use "they were deserted" to describe various scenarios. For example, "After the war, the villages "they were deserted" by their residents" or "The streets "they were deserted" during the curfew."