they were distributed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were distributed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of distributing items, information, or resources to a group of people or locations. Example: "After the meeting, they were distributed to all participants for their review."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Somehow, they were distributed prematurely.

The New York Times

They were distributed via bookshops and some newsagents.

The Guardian - Books

They were distributed by members of the Bonanno crime family.

The New York Times

But it's a picture of where they were distributed.

Cornell University

After that, they were distributed among the three systems evaluated.

Aquaculture

So they were distributed to various benefactors, including Ms. Woodward, for planting in their house gardens.

The New York Times

They were distributed among ruling Party faithful, many of whom were inept or uninterested in farming.

The New Yorker

They were distributed throughout the Massachusetts Bay Colony, of which Maine was then a part.

The New York Times

"They were distributed within the room in various positions, the dead with the injured.

The Guardian

And they were distributed, I think, probably unevenly across the campus.

Cornell University

They were distributed according to a randomized block design with three blocks.

European Journal of Agronomy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were distributed", ensure the subject (the 'they') is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they were distributed" without a clear referent for 'they'. Always ensure the noun or group being referred to is explicitly stated to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were distributed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (they) received the action of being distributed. This is supported by Ludwig's examples that show diverse contexts where items or information are spread.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

37%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were distributed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction that describes the allocation or spreading of items, information, or resources. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and applicable across various contexts, including science, news, and academia. While maintaining a neutral register, it is important to ensure a clear antecedent for "they" to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "they were allocated" or "they were disseminated" can be used for nuanced meanings. Overall, "they were distributed" is a versatile and reliable phrase for expressing the action of distribution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were allocated

Replaces "distributed" with "allocated", emphasizing a formal assignment or apportionment.

they were disseminated

Substitutes "distributed" with "disseminated", highlighting the act of spreading information or resources widely.

they were dispensed

Replaces "distributed" with "dispensed", suggesting a controlled or measured distribution, often of resources or medication.

they were handed out

An informal alternative to "they were distributed", indicating a casual or direct method of giving out items.

they were supplied

Substitutes "distributed" with "supplied", emphasizing the provision of necessary items or resources.

they were issued

Replaces "distributed" with "issued", suggesting a formal release or provision, often of documents or authorizations.

they were assigned

Similar to 'allocated', but emphasizes a specific task or role being given.

they were delivered

Focuses on the act of transporting and providing items or information to a destination.

they were spread

Suggests a less formal and more diffuse distribution across an area or population.

they were shared

Highlights the act of dividing something among multiple recipients.

FAQs

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

Use "they were distributed" to describe the act of something being given out or spread among a group or area. For example, "The flyers were distributed at the entrance."

What's a more formal alternative to "they were distributed"?

For a more formal tone, you could use "they were allocated" or "they were disseminated" depending on the context.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "they were distributed"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "they were distributed" might sound passive. Consider rephrasing to emphasize the agent doing the distributing for a more active voice.

What's the difference between "they were distributed" and "they were dispersed"?

"They were distributed" implies a planned or organized giving out, while "they were dispersed" suggests a scattering or spreading, often without a specific plan. For example, "The protesters were dispersed by the police" versus "The supplies were distributed to the refugees."