they were implicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were implicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's involvement in a situation, often in a negative context, such as a crime or wrongdoing. Example: "During the investigation, it was revealed that they were implicated in the scandal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The country's top ski coaches were suspended, and two physicians who assisted the skiers resigned before they were implicated.

The New York Times - Sports

The McCanns have maintained their innocence and have angrily denied local news media speculation in recent weeks that they were implicated in the case.

The New York Times

He also said players had been told they were implicated in doping and were given the years of their alleged drug use.

The New York Times - Sports

They were implicated by a single witness, a drug addict who supported herself with prostitution, and whom the authorities kept in a locked hospital ward so that she would not disappear before the trial.

The New York Times

The first reports of the detectives' corruption were made in 1979, and they were implicated a number of times through the 1980s but were never charged, and managed to continue their rise within the police ranks, according to Greg B. Smith's "Mob Cops" (Berkley, 2006).

The New York Times

Instead, he pointed out that wretched practices could not be detached from the larger pattern of habits and institution in which they were implicated, and that this pattern had a beneficial effect.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Their claim is that neonicotinoids, even if they are implicated, are not the biggest cause of decline in pollinator populations.

The Guardian

Derivatives are not entirely to blame for the fiasco, but they are implicated in much of it.

The New York Times

Some of the people in the current government were also in the past government, and if they are implicated, then they are not going to act.

The Guardian

This imbalance isn't necessarily a deliberate tactic on the part of large companies, but they are implicated in it, said Peter McAllister, executive director of the Ethical Trading Initiative.

The Guardian

Indeed, although hereditary factors cause many types of cancer, they are implicated in only about 5 to 10 percent of cases.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were implicated", ensure that there is sufficient evidence or at least strong suspicion to justify the implication. Avoid using the phrase lightly, as it carries a negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "they were implicated" when the connection is weak or purely speculative. Instead, use softer language like "they were connected to" or "they were associated with" to avoid implying guilt or wrongdoing prematurely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were implicated" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a group of individuals was linked or connected to a particular situation, often one involving wrongdoing or suspicion. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were implicated" is a passive construction used to suggest that individuals are involved in something negative, often a crime or scandal. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While the phrase appears mostly in News & Media and Scientific contexts, remember to ensure sufficient evidence to support the implication. If the connection is weak, consider using milder alternatives like "they were connected" to avoid prematurely suggesting guilt. Keep in mind the register of neutral, and to use it in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were linked

Highlights a direct relationship or association between individuals and events.

they were connected

Focuses on a general association or link, without necessarily implying wrongdoing.

they were associated

Suggests a less direct or formal connection than "implicated".

they were tied to

Emphasizes the connection or causal relationship between a person and an action.

they were suspected

Emphasizes doubt and assumption, often by law enforcement or authorities.

they were embroiled in

Suggests deep involvement in a complex and often negative situation.

they were believed to be involved

Attributes the involvement to a general opinion or consensus, rather than confirmed facts.

they were thought to be involved

Indicates a speculative connection based on available information.

they were caught up in

Highlights involvement in something dangerous or unpleasant from which it is difficult to escape.

they were rumored to be involved

Highlights that the information is based on unofficial information and rumors.

FAQs

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

Use "they were implicated" to indicate that individuals are believed to be involved in something negative or illegal. For example, "During the investigation, "they were implicated" in the fraud scheme".

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

You can use alternatives like "they were connected", "they were linked", or "they were associated" depending on the context and level of certainty you want to convey.

Which is correct, "they were implicated" or "they are implicated"?

"They were implicated" refers to past involvement or suspicion, while "they are implicated" suggests current or ongoing involvement. The choice depends on the time frame you are discussing.

What's the difference between "they were implicated" and "they were accused"?

"They were implicated" suggests involvement based on circumstances or evidence, without formal charges. "They were accused" means someone has made a formal charge or allegation against them, regardless of proof.