they were embraced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were embraced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals are welcomed or accepted warmly, often in a figurative sense. Example: "After a long journey, they were embraced by their friends and family at the airport."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

But they were embraced.

The New York Times

Indeed, you could say they were embraced.

The New York Times

They were embraced by the coalition government for similar reasons.

The Guardian

And they got the audience they sought: they were embraced by the new British bohemia.

The New York Times - Arts

But they were embraced by many in the business class, too.

The New Yorker

Once, they were embraced by greens as a source of clean and endlessly renewable energy, but no longer.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"They were embracing," when they died, the chief said.

The New York Times

Soon they were embracing, taking pictures and planning.

The Washington Post

Just as they were embracing protectionism, however, the Republican Party was moving in the opposite direction.

The Washington Post

Even though Mr. Eisner and Robert Iger treated Mr. Koppel shabbily, they were embracing the same objectives that network news divisions have been embracing for years.

The New York Times

They were embracing new and not-so-new technologies such as the microwave, the electric knife and the sandwich-maker.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were embraced" to convey a sense of warm welcome, acceptance, and integration. Ensure the context aligns with this positive connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "they were embraced" when a more neutral term like "accepted" or "acknowledged" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a strong sense of warmth and acceptance, so ensure this aligns with the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were embraced" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group or entity received acceptance or a warm welcome. As shown by Ludwig, this often implies a positive reception. It highlights the action performed upon the subject, rather than an action the subject initiates.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were embraced" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that a group, idea, or entity received a warm welcome and acceptance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this passive construction appears most frequently in News & Media sources, implying a neutral to professional register. Related phrases include "they were welcomed" and "they were accepted", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the positive connotation it carries. Remember to check Ludwig for more examples and alternative phrasing options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were welcomed

Replaces "embraced" with a more straightforward term for acceptance, indicating a friendly reception.

they were accepted

Focuses on the act of being approved or recognized, rather than the warmth of the reception.

they were received warmly

Highlights the positive and affectionate nature of the welcome.

they were taken in

Suggests a sense of protection or being cared for, in addition to being accepted.

they were incorporated

Implies being integrated into a larger group or system.

they were adopted

Conveys a sense of being formally or officially accepted, like a new member.

they were given a warm reception

Emphasizes the kind and friendly nature of the welcome.

they were greeted with open arms

Visually depicts a very enthusiastic and affectionate welcome.

they were celebrated

Focuses on being honored or recognized positively, often in a public way.

they were hailed

Suggests being recognized or praised enthusiastically, often for achievements.

FAQs

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

Use "they were embraced" to describe a situation where a group or idea is warmly welcomed and accepted. For example, "The new policies were embraced by the community". It indicates a positive reception and integration.

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

You can use alternatives like "they were welcomed", "they were accepted", or "they were received warmly" depending on the specific context.

Is "they were embraced" formal or informal?

"They were embraced" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it leans slightly towards a more positive and expressive tone. It's common in news articles, literature, and everyday conversations.

What's the difference between "they were embraced" and "they were tolerated"?

"They were embraced" indicates a warm, positive acceptance, while "they were tolerated" suggests acceptance without enthusiasm, often implying that something is allowed to exist despite objections. Embracing shows genuine welcome, tolerating implies reluctant acceptance.