they were dismantled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were dismantled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of taking something apart, such as machinery, structures, or systems, often in a context of deconstruction or disassembly. Example: "After the event, they were dismantled to make room for the new exhibition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

They were dismantled, demolished, decimated and disgraced.

The Guardian - Sport

Dear Karl, the mood in Brazil is very sombre after they were dismantled 7-1 by Germany.

The Guardian - Books

Oil companies might want to dispose of rigs in deep water, where they might do less harm than if they were dismantled near the shore.

The Economist

Some structural work was required when the two men bought the property nine years ago, but the original sections were photographed before they were dismantled, and then they were rebuilt in exactly the same style.

The New York Times

Maneuvering warheads, or MaRVs, were first integrated into the U.S. Pershing II IRBMs deployed in Europe from 1984 until they were dismantled under the terms of the INF Treaty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Exeter are still recovering from the way they were dismantled by Sarries in the final in May, while the team who were beaten by the men in black the season before, Bath, took a year to get over it.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

As for the composers of the Second Viennese School, just as they were dismantling inherited notions of tonality, they were fretting, too, over the marriage of words and music.

The New York Times

The workers, identified as David Coy Sanchez, 25, and Elquin Astaiza Ceballos, 19, both of Elmont, were installing siding when the scaffolding they were dismantling struck a high-voltage line, the Nassau County Police said.

The New York Times

Seven scrapyard workers, unaware that the machine they were dismantling contained cobalt-60 a cobalt-60 a, gradioactivetal resembling nickel—fell ill; one died.

Science Magazine

They were sawing up the peak of the building, they were dismantling the chimney, which was intact, we have a picture of a car loaded with wood and bricks driving away".

Vice

Should they be dismantled?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were dismantled" to describe the systematic deconstruction of objects, systems, or organizations, especially when emphasizing a careful or controlled process.

Common error

Avoid using "they were dismantled" when a simpler term like "destroyed" or "broken" suffices. "Dismantled" implies a deliberate, often methodical, process of taking something apart.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were dismantled" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (they) underwent the action of being taken apart. As Ludwig AI shows, it's commonly used in news and media to describe systematic deconstruction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were dismantled" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive voice construction. As per Ludwig AI, it indicates a systematic process of taking something apart and is frequently encountered in news and media contexts. While appropriate for general usage, it's essential to distinguish its precise meaning from simpler terms like "destroyed" and, based on analysis of multiple sources, to reserve it for scenarios involving methodical deconstruction. Related phrases include "they were disassembled" and "they were taken apart", offering nuances that might better fit specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were disassembled

Focuses on the act of taking something apart methodically, piece by piece.

they were taken apart

A more general and less technical way of saying something was dismantled.

they were broken down

Implies that something was reduced to its component parts, often due to damage or wear.

they were decommissioned

Specifically refers to taking something out of service, often with the implication of disassembling it.

they were scrapped

Suggests that something was broken up for recycling or disposal.

they were demolished

Implies a forceful destruction, often of a building or structure.

they were eradicated

Focuses on complete elimination, often of something undesirable.

they were annihilated

Implies complete destruction or obliteration.

they were shattered

Indicates a violent breaking into pieces.

they were disintegrated

Suggests a gradual breaking down into small particles.

FAQs

What does "they were dismantled" mean?

The phrase "they were dismantled" means that something was taken apart, piece by piece. It often implies a systematic or controlled process of deconstruction.

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

You can use alternatives like "they were disassembled", "they were taken apart", or "they were broken down" depending on the specific context.

Is "they were dismantled" formal or informal?

The phrase "they were dismantled" is generally considered neutral to formal. While understandable in most contexts, it is particularly appropriate when describing technical or organized processes.

How to use "they were dismantled" in a sentence?

You can use "they were dismantled" in a sentence to describe the deconstruction of an object, system, or organization. For example, "After the exhibition, the displays "they were dismantled" and stored for future use."