they were included

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'they were included' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the inclusion of something or someone in a group or set. For example: "The names of the participants were listed in the program and they were included in the draw for the special prize."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were included again in the Whitney Biennial in 1991.

The Guardian - Arts

Subsequently, they were included in the Book of Concord (1580).

Britannica

If they were included, the contrast would be even sharper.

The New York Times

Dresses, when they were included, were short, boxy and with sheer panelling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I keep these pictures only because they were included in the price.

The New York Times - Travel

Some proposed cuts faced opposition even before they were included in the president's budget.

The New York Times

Sony produced the albums free, and they were included in gift packets at hospitals.

The New York Times

They were included in the £695 you paid to fly to Prague during the school holidays.

The Guardian - Music

"If they were included and recognised as a regional leader, they would temper their ambitions.

The Guardian

If they were included, he said, the job-growth statistics would be more impressive.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was essential that they were included in the process.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were included", ensure the context clearly defines who or what "they" refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "they were included" when the antecedent is not explicitly stated or easily inferred from the surrounding text. Always make sure it's clear who or what "they" refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were included" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject ("they") underwent the action of being included. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

57%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were included" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive voice phrase that indicates the incorporation of certain entities into a group or list. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile and suitable for various writing contexts. Its usage spans across diverse fields, including news, science, and encyclopedic content. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly defining the referent of "they". The phrase's frequency and authoritative sources highlight its reliability, making it a valuable tool for conveying information accurately and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were incorporated

Highlights the act of formally integrating something into a larger structure.

they were listed

Specifically refers to being part of a written or spoken enumeration.

they were integrated

Indicates a process of combining elements into a unified whole.

they were comprised

Focuses on the composition of a group, rather than direct inclusion.

they were featured

Highlights a prominent display or inclusion in a particular context.

they were added

Emphasizes the action of appending or summing up to existing items.

they were encompassed

Suggests being completely surrounded or included within a larger scope.

they were counted

Focuses on the act of being tallied or numbered within a group.

they were involved

Implies participation or engagement in an activity or group.

they were present

Indicates mere presence or existence within a specific context.

FAQs

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

Use "they were included" to indicate that certain items or people were part of a group or list. For example, "All applicants who met the criteria were considered, and "they were included" in the final selection process".

What are some alternatives to "they were included"?

Alternatives include "they were added", "they were incorporated", or "they were listed". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "they were included" formal or informal?

"They were included" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it versatile for various types of writing.

What is the difference between "they were included" and "they were involved"?

"They were included" suggests being part of a defined set or list, while "they were involved" implies participation in an activity or process. For example, names "they were included" in the document, and members "they were involved" in the project.