they were discharged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were discharged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as medical, military, or employment situations where someone is released from a duty or obligation. Example: "After a thorough evaluation, the doctor confirmed that they were discharged from the hospital."

✓ Grammatically correct

Medical

Military

Legal

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They were discharged a while later.

The New Yorker

They were discharged hours before Tynes left for the airport.

The New York Times - Sports

When petitioners refused to alter their arrangement, they were discharged.

Cornell University

The hospital also built a community system to help patients after they were discharged.

The New York Times

Since they were discharged from hospital on Tuesday, the boys have been spending time at home.

The Guardian

John when they were in the Navy and moved East with him when they were discharged.

The New York Times

They were discharged after the trial judge decided that coverage of the verdict was prejudicial.

The Guardian

It did not measure long-term mortality and complications among patients once they were discharged.

Harvard University

Those service members were forced to live in separate rooms until they were discharged.

The New York Times

Once they were discharged (thanks to the arrival of antibiotics), they produced sketches for a church concert party in Mitcham.

The Guardian

They spent about a minute and a half, two minutes on the roof each day, and then they were discharged, given a certificate and an award - 100 roubles.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were discharged" in medical contexts, clarify whether it refers to a hospital, rehabilitation center, or other medical facility to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they were discharged" when a more specific term is appropriate. For example, instead of saying "they were discharged from the team", consider "they were removed from the team" or "they were released from the team" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were discharged" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject ('they') received the action of being discharged. This phrase is commonly used to describe the release from a hospital, military service, or other form of duty, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were discharged" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that signifies the release of individuals from a duty, obligation, or confinement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile across medical, military, and legal contexts. While generally neutral in tone, considering synonyms for enhanced formality in specific scenarios is advisable. Common contexts, supported by numerous examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, include science and news reporting, emphasizing its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were released

Focuses on the act of being freed from a responsibility or confinement.

they were dismissed

Emphasizes a formal termination or ending of an obligation.

they were let go

Suggests a more informal release, often from employment or service.

they were relieved of duty

Specifically refers to being freed from a particular task or responsibility.

they were terminated

Highlights a formal ending, often in the context of employment.

their service concluded

Formal way to indicate the end of a period of service or obligation.

they completed their term

Implies that they finished a defined period of duty or service.

they were decommissioned

Often used in a military or formal context to indicate the end of service.

they were acquitted

Specifically used in a legal context to indicate being found not guilty.

they were exonerated

Suggests being cleared of blame or responsibility after an accusation.

FAQs

What does "they were discharged" mean?

The phrase "they were discharged" generally means that a person or group of people has been officially released from a duty, obligation, or confinement. This can apply to various contexts, such as being released from a hospital, military service, or employment.

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

You can use alternatives like "they were released", "they were dismissed", or "they were let go" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "they were discharged" in a formal context?

Yes, "they were discharged" is appropriate in formal contexts, especially when referring to official releases from duties or obligations. However, consider using alternatives like "they were released from duty" for added clarity and formality.

Can "they were discharged" be used in different tenses?

Yes, the phrase can be adapted to different tenses. For example, "they are being discharged" (present continuous), "they will be discharged" (future), or "they had been discharged" (past perfect).