they were inspected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were inspected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an action where an inspection was conducted on a group of items or individuals in the past. Example: "Before the shipment was approved, they were inspected for quality assurance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Relating to frequency of inspection [ 3, 4], respondents were further asked how many times they were inspected by the health insurance regulatory monitors in the last 12 months.

BMC Health Services Research

On May 24, they were inspected by a Green Giant representative.

The New Yorker

In the 1940's there were more than 1,500 of them in New York's subway and train stations, and they were inspected weekly.

The New York Times

The other two in that category were not put into special measures because they have made enough progress since they were inspected.

The Guardian

As participants entered the church they turned over the weapons, many in plastic shopping bags, to uniformed police officers, who took the guns to a separate area where they were inspected and, if necessary, unloaded.

The New York Times

They were removed during an authorized archaeological dig nearly a century ago; they were inspected by the Peruvian government before they left the country; and even Peruvian officials acknowledge that the objects themselves — which consist largely of bones, ceramic pots and common Inca tools — do not have great aesthetic or museum value.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

They were inspecting for weevils & checking the grain's temperature.

The New Yorker

They were inspecting a reported dip in the tracks when they were hit by an out-of-service train on a routine maintenance run.

The New York Times

By the next year, they were inspecting the Union's ironclads and installing an array of bar magnets around the compasses to correct their navigation.

The New York Times

They were inspecting graffiti that Smith had drawn of the Stinky Cheese Man sitting on the toilet and asking, "What stinks?" "That's not very nice," Feiffer said.

The New Yorker

He met with top generals, and Egyptian state media reported that they were inspecting air bases and preparing land defenses near the Gaza border.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were inspected", clearly state who performed the inspection and what criteria were used to evaluate the items or entities being inspected. This provides context and credibility to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "they were inspected" without specifying what "they" refers to. Ensure the subject is clear from the preceding context to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were inspected" functions as a passive voice construction. It indicates that a group of items or entities received an action, specifically an inspection, from an unspecified actor. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

44%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were inspected" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive voice phrase. Ludwig AI analysis reveals its versatility across various domains, notably in science, news, and general informative writing. The phrase serves to communicate that a formal examination has taken place, implying a process of quality control or compliance verification. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subject and the context of the inspection to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "they were examined" or "they were checked" can be used to fine-tune the intended level of detail or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were checked

Implies a simpler and quicker form of inspection.

they were reviewed

Focuses on a formal assessment or consideration.

they underwent examination

Emphasizes a more formal and thorough process of examination.

they were scrutinized

Suggests a more critical and detailed inspection.

they were verified

Highlights the confirmation of accuracy or truth after inspection.

they were assessed

Focuses on evaluating the quality or value after inspection.

they were appraised

Suggests an expert judgment or evaluation after inspection.

they were audited

Specifically refers to a financial or procedural inspection.

they were surveyed

Suggests a broad overview rather than detailed inspection.

they were monitored

Implies continuous observation rather than a single inspection.

FAQs

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

Use "they were inspected" when referring to a group of items or entities that have undergone a formal examination. For example: "Before being shipped, they were inspected for defects".

What is a good alternative to "they were inspected"?

Alternatives include "they were examined", "they were checked", or "they were scrutinized", depending on the context and the level of detail involved in the inspection.

Is it better to say "they were inspected" or "they underwent inspection"?

Both "they were inspected" and "they underwent inspection" are grammatically correct. "They were inspected" is more direct, while "they underwent inspection" is slightly more formal. The choice depends on the desired tone.

What does it mean when something is described as "they were inspected"?

It means that the items or entities in question were subjected to a systematic examination, typically to ensure they meet certain standards or requirements.