they were detached

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were detached" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of emotional or physical separation from something or someone. Example: "In the midst of the chaos, they were detached, observing the events unfold without any emotional involvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The MPA has been condemned by Mauritius, which owned the Chagos Islands before they were detached by the UK before the colony was granted independence, and which have remained under British control ever since.

The Guardian

When the cells were 70% 80% confluent, they were detached with 0.05% trypsin EDTA (Gibco) and subcultured in 35 mm tissue culture dishes (Iwaki).

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

After 4-weeks hairy roots appeared on cut ends of the explants and then they were detached and cultured onto fresh MS media.

Botanical Studies

Levallois flakes and blades typically exhibit plain or faceted platforms, and dorsal scar patterns are principally unidirectional with evidence at their distal extremities for the lateral and distal preparation of the cores from which they were detached.

Science Magazine

One complaint I received, someone had spent $25,000 in a few months, only for Sherry to pull them into a magical world where they were detached from reality.

Vice

In one complaint I received, someone had spent $25,000 in a few months, only for Sherry to pull them into a magical world where they were detached from reality.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"They're detached from what's going on here in my neighborhood," he explained.

The New York Times

It is perhaps more accurate to say they are detached from time, and thus timeless.

The New York Times - Books

They are detached from the world, it appears, because they don't believe anything foreign can seriously touch their lives.

The New York Times - Books

Janet M. Gorzegno's two small panel paintings include faces, but they are detached and mask-like, formalistic rather than expressive.

The New York Times

But once the surfers are out on the water, they are detached from all the sophisticated analysis.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing scientific texts about cell cultures, use "they were detached" to state in a professional way the process of cell extraction.

Common error

Avoid using "they were detached" when a stronger verb is needed. For example, if the detachment was forceful, consider "they were torn apart" or "they were severed" for greater impact. In formal essays be careful using such sentences. Make sure your claim is clear and the context well explained, in order to have a professional writing tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were detached" primarily functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a group or set of items underwent the action of being separated or disconnected. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were detached" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction that indicates separation or disconnection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally correct and appropriate across various writing styles. Its frequency is common, especially in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies what "they" refers to and the nature of the detachment. Consider the nuances of alternative phrases to select the most precise wording for your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they became separated

Focuses on the process of becoming detached, implying a change of state.

they were disconnected

Highlights a lack of connection, either physical or emotional.

they were isolated

Emphasizes the state of being alone or apart from others.

they were uncoupled

Suggests a physical separation of two previously joined entities.

they were severed

Implies a forceful or abrupt disconnection.

they were disengaged

Indicates a deliberate withdrawal or detachment from involvement.

they were distanced

Focuses on creating a space or gap between entities.

they were partitioned

Implies a division into separate parts or sections.

they were released

Highlights the act of freeing something from an attachment.

they were extricated

Suggests a difficult or complicated removal.

FAQs

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

Use "they were detached" to describe a state where a group or set of items has been separated from something else. For example, "After the storm, several boats were damaged and "they were detached" from their moorings."

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

You can use alternatives like "they were separated", "they were disconnected", or "they were isolated" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "they are detached" instead of "they were detached"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but "they are detached" indicates a current or ongoing state of detachment, whereas "they were detached" refers to a detachment that occurred in the past. The choice depends on the intended timeframe.

What's the difference between "they were detached" and "they felt detached"?

"They were detached" describes an actual separation or disconnection. "They felt detached", on the other hand, indicates a feeling of emotional disconnection, even if there isn't a physical separation.