they were explained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were explained" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to indicate that someone or something was given a clear and detailed explanation. Example: During the science class, the complex concepts were explained by the teacher in a way that the students could easily understand.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

But they were explained, and investors could evaluate them.

The New York Times

At the time they were explained as the remnants of pitch angle diffusion driven solely by Electron Cyclotron Harmonic (ECH) waves.

Advances in Space Research

At the same time, Mr. Barney said, students sometimes did not pay attention to the requirements and costs even when they were explained.

The New York Times

In the 17th century, they were explained by the newly popular "spermatick principle," which held that semen formed creatures and that the egg was a mere food source.

The New York Times - Science

— A set of suspicious footprints was found, but they were explained when Mr. Tedlock confessed that he'd accidentally stepped in a tub of orange paint.

The New Yorker

You could not have known or even perceived the compositions until they were explained — making Ms. Fendi's decision to stage a presentation a smart move for the company.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

They started drinking and then fighting, and soon they were explaining themselves to the police.

The New York Times

They were explaining away practically everything to each other, including General Eisenhower.

The New Yorker

They were asked to write as if they were "explaining things to a relative or a friend".

International Journal of STEM Education

"The way they were explaining it, this place was going to be great.

Los Angeles Times

They are explained and predicted by Constructal Theory (CT).

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were explained", ensure that the context clearly identifies what "they" refers to, and that the explanation's purpose and audience are well-defined for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "they were explained" without a clear antecedent for "they". Ensure the reader knows what is being explained to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were explained" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject received an explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, demonstrating its role in conveying information where the focus is on the recipient of the explanation rather than the explainer.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

31%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were explained" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that a subject has been made understandable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Appearing commonly in news, scientific, and academic contexts, the phrase serves to inform that clarity has been provided, often implying an initial complexity. While versatile, using "they were explained" requires a clear antecedent to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "they were clarified" or "they were elucidated" offer nuanced variations. This analysis underscores the importance of clarity and context when employing "they were explained" to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were clarified

Emphasizes the removal of ambiguity or confusion, making something easier to understand.

they were elucidated

Highlights the act of making something clear and comprehensible, often something complex.

they were detailed

Focuses on providing thorough information about something.

they were interpreted

Highlights the explanation of the meaning or significance of something.

they were justified

Focuses on providing reasons or evidence to support or defend something.

they were accounted for

Emphasizes providing a reason or explanation for something, often related to discrepancies or unexpected events.

explanations were provided for them

Inverts the sentence structure to emphasize the provision of explanations.

they were demonstrated

Highlights the process of showing how something works or is done, often through practical examples.

they were illustrated

Focuses on clarifying something by using examples or diagrams.

they were decoded

Emphasizes revealing the underlying meaning or code of something that was previously obscured.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were explained" to indicate that certain concepts, rules, or items were clarified or described in detail. For example: "The complex rules were explained in simple terms, ensuring everyone understood".

What are some alternatives to "they were explained"?

You can use alternatives like "they were clarified", "they were elucidated", or "explanations were provided for them" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when explaining something?

The choice between active and passive voice depends on the desired emphasis. Active voice (e.g., "The teacher explained the rules") emphasizes the actor, while passive voice (e.g., "The rules were explained by the teacher" or "they were explained") emphasizes the action or the object being acted upon.

What's the difference between "they were explained" and "they were described"?

"They were explained" implies a deeper level of understanding was provided, clarifying complex aspects. "They were described" simply means details were given without necessarily clarifying complexities.