they were executed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were executed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing legal actions, historical events, or fictional narratives involving capital punishment. Example: "In the historical account, it was noted that they were executed for their crimes against the state."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then they were executed.

The New Yorker

They were executed.

The New Yorker

They were executed that day.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were executed in 1953.

The New York Times

And they were executed effectively in contact.

The Guardian - Sport

"They were executed either by beheading or by shooting".

The Guardian

They were executed at Sing Sing on June 19 , 1953

The New York Times

When the parade reached the Capitol, they were executed.

The New York Times

"They were executed," men in the crowd whispered knowingly.

The New York Times

They were executed by firing squad on April 11.

The New York Times

When their identities were learned, they were executed.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using this phrase, as it can be emotionally charged.

Common error

Avoid using "they were executed" to describe accidental deaths or murders that didn't follow a legal execution process. Use "they were killed" or "they died" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were executed" functions as a passive construction indicating that a group of individuals underwent a formal process of being put to death as a consequence of a legal sentence or decree. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were executed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, primarily found in news, encyclopedias, and historical texts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to denote that individuals have undergone capital punishment. It's crucial to use it accurately, reserving it for contexts where a legal execution has occurred, distinguishing it from other forms of death. Alternatives such as "they were put to death" or "they were killed" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Being mindful of these nuances helps ensure clarity and accuracy in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were put to death

Replaces "executed" with a more direct expression of the same action.

they faced execution

Focuses on the process leading up to death rather than the act itself.

the sentence was carried out

Emphasizes the completion of a judicial sentence.

they were killed

A general term for causing death, lacking the specific connotation of a formal execution.

their lives were taken

A more passive and euphemistic way of saying they were killed.

they were slain

A more archaic and dramatic way of saying they were killed.

they were terminated

A very formal, clinical sounding and somewhat euphemistic way of saying they were killed.

they were dispatched

Implies a quick and efficient killing.

they were finished

Suggests a conclusion or end to their existence.

the plan was carried out

Used when referring to the successful implementation of a plan or strategy.

FAQs

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

Use "they were executed" to describe the act of carrying out a death sentence, such as "they were executed for their crimes against the state".

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

You can use alternatives like "they were put to death", "they faced execution", or "they were killed depending on the context".

Which is correct, "they were executed" or "they were killed"?

"They were executed" implies a formal legal process leading to death, while "they were killed" is a more general term for causing death. The choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "they were executed" and "the plan was executed"?

"They were executed" refers to people being put to death, while "the plan was executed" refers to a plan being carried out or implemented. The word "executed" has different meanings depending on the subject.