they were disconnected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were disconnected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals or devices are no longer connected or in communication with each other. Example: "After the storm, they were disconnected from the main power supply, leaving the entire neighborhood in darkness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Then, with an inaudible pop, they were disconnected".

The New York Times - Books

He took a lead and looked down at his feet as if they were disconnected.

The New York Times

The Christophers household doubled their living space for around £350,000 and threw a big party to celebrate the day they were disconnected from the mains.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She explained that more ambitious art workshops had been offered at the museum, but that the staff had found "they were disconnected from the collection".

The New York Times - Arts

Oil prices revealed nothing at all about future demand, which was about to collapse; they were disconnected from what was happening in the global economy.

The New Yorker

She said while admiring the village's 13th Century church they realised they were disconnected from the outside world.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Officials said they were disconnecting the oil terminals and possibly some other installations in an effort to combat the virus.

The New York Times

They're disconnected from politicians.

The Guardian

"They're disconnected," he said.

The New York Times

"They're disconnected from the community".

The New York Times - Travel

It is because they are disconnected.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were disconnected", ensure the context clearly indicates what was disconnected from what. Providing specifics enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they were disconnected" when the antecedent of "they" is unclear. Always ensure the reader knows exactly who or what "they" refers to in the sentence to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were disconnected" typically functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a group or set of entities experienced a separation or loss of connection. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of the expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were disconnected" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that denotes a state of separation or interrupted connection. It appears across varied contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and on wikis, indicating versatility. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and can be effectively used to describe a prior state of being separated, whether physically, communicatively, or relationally. The key is to provide clarity to what "they" refers, ensuring the audience understands the subject of disconnection. While numerous alternatives such as "they lost connection" and "they were cut off" exist, careful selection should align with the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they lost connection

This alternative directly replaces "were disconnected" with "lost connection", emphasizing the break in connectivity.

they were cut off

This option suggests a more abrupt and possibly forceful disconnection.

they were no longer linked

Directly states the absence of a link, emphasizing a past connection.

they became separated

This phrase focuses on physical or metaphorical separation, implying a prior state of connection.

their link was severed

This alternative uses more formal language, highlighting the termination of a link or bond.

their ties were broken

Similar to "their link was severed", but focusing on relationships or emotional connections.

communication ceased

Here, the focus shifts to the cessation of communication, a specific type of disconnection.

they were isolated

This phrase emphasizes the resulting state of being alone or apart after the disconnection.

the circuit was broken

This implies a technical or electrical disconnection.

the signal was lost

Specific to signal-based connections such as radio or network signals.

FAQs

What does "they were disconnected" mean?

The phrase "they were disconnected" indicates that a group of people or things were previously connected but are no longer so. This could refer to a physical separation, an interruption in communication, or a broken link of some kind.

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

You can use alternatives like "they lost connection", "they became separated", or "they were cut off" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they are disconnected"?

Yes, "they are disconnected" is grammatically correct, but it refers to a current state of being disconnected. "They were disconnected" refers to a past event or state.

What is the difference between "they were disconnected" and "they have been disconnected"?

"They were disconnected" describes a single event or a state in the past. "They have been disconnected" implies a state that started in the past and may or may not continue into the present. The latter suggests a duration or a continuing consequence of the disconnection.