they were found to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were found to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing findings or conclusions drawn from research, investigations, or assessments regarding a subject or group. Example: "After a thorough investigation, they were found to be responsible for the discrepancies in the financial report."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were found to be stuffed full of illegal truncheons.

The Guardian - Travel

They were found to be perfectly matched, flawless diamonds.

The New Yorker

Furthermore, they were found to be biodegradable and possessed inherent antibacterial capability.

Materials Science and Engineering: C

They were found to be either unconservative or conservative in most cases.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

Following their synthesis, they were found to be potent and selective inhibitors of leishmanial dihydrofolate reductase.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

Lewis acidic ammonia interactions were also considered and they were found to be energetically unfavorable.

Catalysis Today

They were found to be several hundreds of nanometers in size.

Carbon

After heat treatment, they were found to be tightly adhered to metal electrode.

Carbon

The votes would be counted if they were found to be eligible.

The New York Times

If they were found to be pregnant and didn't subsequently give birth, they could face prosecution.

The Guardian

However, they were found to be too small to be considered living things.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain clarity and conciseness, avoid using "they were found to be" when a more direct verb can convey the same meaning.

Common error

Avoid relying excessively on passive constructions like "they were found to be", as it can lead to wordy and less engaging writing. Opt for active voice when possible for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were found to be" functions as a connector in a sentence, indicating a discovery or conclusion based on some form of investigation or observation. Ludwig shows it commonly introduces a description or attribute identified through a process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were found to be" is a versatile connector used to present findings or conclusions. Ludwig AI shows its most common use is in scientific and news contexts, but its neutral register makes it adaptable across various writing styles. While grammatically correct and widely used, writers should be mindful of potential overuse and consider more direct alternatives for conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were discovered to be

This alternative highlights the act of finding or uncovering something previously unknown.

they were identified as

This suggests a process of recognition or categorization.

it was determined they were

This alternative uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the process of determination.

they were ascertained to be

A more formal and precise way of saying something was established with certainty.

they proved to be

This alternative suggests that time or testing revealed the truth.

they were recognized as

Suggests acknowledgement or acceptance of a certain quality or status.

they were established as

Emphasizes the confirmation or validation of a particular state or condition.

it turned out they were

This option implies an unexpected or surprising revelation.

it became apparent they were

This implies that something was revealed gradually over time.

they were ultimately deemed to be

Indicates a final judgment or decision after a period of consideration.

FAQs

How can I rewrite "they were found to be" for conciseness?

Consider using alternatives like "they proved to be", "they were identified as", or "it turned out they were" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "they were found to be" formal or informal?

The phrase "they were found to be" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it was determined they were" might be preferable in academic or professional writing.

What is the difference between "they were found to be" and "they were discovered to be"?

"They were found to be" implies a general process of finding something, while "they were discovered to be" suggests uncovering something previously unknown or hidden.

Can I use "they were found to be" to express a surprising result?

Yes, but using alternatives like "it turned out they were" or "they proved to be" can emphasize the element of surprise more effectively.