they were indicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were indicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been pointed out, suggested, or specified by someone or something. Example: "In the report, they were indicated as the primary contributors to the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Várjon bypassed three of Schumann's delicate posthumous variations, although they were indicated in the program.

The Washington Post

Highest in the pantheon and presiding in the divine assembly ranked An (Akkadian: Anu), god of heaven, who was responsible for the calendar and the seasons as they were indicated by their appropriate stars.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No differences were found between the groups at T1. Data about the intensity and duration of headache attacks were not analyzed because they were indicated only in 44%% of the diaries filled in by the patients.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Oksuz et al. (2011) found the crude ash content 1.10% in U. moluccensis and 1.60% in M. surmuletus and they were indicated that the difference is due to the mineral content of the species.

International Aquatic Research

They were indicated in percentages.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

From 1996 to 1998, blood cultures and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were taken from patients admitted to emergency in whom they were indicated.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"At that point they were indicating they were weeks away from pouring in the concrete.

The Guardian

George is going to get Ed Balls.' They were indicating that there was a silver bullet that was going to kill him.

The Guardian

"They were indicating how much profit they were making on each car.

Forbes

"They were indicating there would be significant ramifications if I didn't cooperate," said Frischling, who was home alone with his three children when the agents arrived.

TechCrunch

Despite biological therapies being quite expensive, they are indicated for patients unresponsive to initial standard therapies.

Best Practice & Research Clinical Gastroenterology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were indicated", ensure the context clearly establishes who or what is doing the indicating. For example, "In the study, they were indicated by researchers as key factors."

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring that "they" has a clear and easily identifiable referent. A vague or missing referent can confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were indicated" functions as a passive voice construction, where "they" (a pronoun referring to a previously mentioned subject) is the recipient of the action. It's useful for highlighting what was pointed out or specified, rather than who did the indicating. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were indicated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction, especially within scientific, news, and academic contexts. As Ludwig confirms, it serves to passively highlight subjects that have been pointed out or specified. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in pronoun reference to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "they were specified" or "they were designated" to fine-tune your meaning. Remember that while versatile, this phrase leans towards a more formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were specified

This alternative emphasizes that something was explicitly mentioned or detailed.

they were designated

This suggests that something was officially assigned or chosen for a particular purpose.

they were identified

Focuses on the act of recognizing or pointing out specific items or aspects.

they were cited

Highlights that something was mentioned as an example or reference.

they were outlined

Implies a structured presentation of the items or aspects in question.

they were noted

This indicates a simple observation or recording of the items.

they were listed

Focuses on the presentation of items in a sequential manner.

they were shown

Emphasizes a visual demonstration or display of the items.

they were determined

Suggests a process of investigation or calculation leading to the identification of items.

they were marked

Highlights that items were labeled or distinguished in some way.

FAQs

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

Use "they were indicated" to show that something was pointed out, specified, or suggested, like in this sentence: "In the report, "they were indicated" as the primary contributors to the project's success".

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

You can use alternatives like "they were specified", "they were designated", or "they were identified" depending on the context.

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

The choice depends on the tense of your sentence. Use "they were indicated" for past tense and "they are indicated" for present tense.

What's the difference between "they were indicated" and "they were mentioned"?

"They were indicated" suggests something was specifically pointed out or identified, while "they were mentioned" simply means they were brought up or referred to.