they were institutionalized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were institutionalized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals who have been placed in an institution, often for mental health treatment or care. Example: "After years of struggling with mental health issues, they were institutionalized to receive the help they needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Some programs were begun by faculty members, others by former students; they were institutionalized by the college.

The New York Times

At another institution here, CAIS Villa Mujeres, elderly women sat tied to wheelchairs, staff members hustled to clean soiled floors as investigators moved through, and patients and their caretakers could not fully explain how or why they were institutionalized.

The New York Times

They were institutionalized and thereby commemorative of power and authority, upheld tradition and esteemed order and beauty as highly intellectualized and formal qualities bestowed by the gods, especially Apollo, the god of the Sun, and thereby of order in the cosmos.

Huffington Post

Out of 1,290 subjects giving information whether they were institutionalized or not, 7 were institutionalized (1 man and 6 women).

Dermato-Endocrinology

Patients were excluded from analysis if they were institutionalized, less than 18 years of age, pregnant, recipient of a renal transplant, or clinical data were missing.

BMC Nephrology

Children were excluded if they were institutionalized (e.g., living in orphanages), because of missing birth or family history information, because of Azerbaijani nationality (they were likely to relocate during the study period), or had a chronic illness that could affect childhood growth and development.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

("We are in a civilized society and we expect that the person will be protected when they're institutionalized," one of Castro's lawyers told the "Today" show).

The New Yorker

Afterward, at the hand-washing station, he asked, "So you thought the movie was perplexing?" He went on, "I hate movies where people are punished for their idiosyncrasies, when they're institutionalized or something".

The New Yorker

"They are institutionalized, but very disorganized, and their violence is usually not planned, like when a kid from one gang comes across a kid from another gang in his territory".

The New York Times

In others they are institutionalized.

Huffington Post

"Why are they so violent?" "I just think they're institutionalized.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "they were institutionalized", consider the context carefully. Ensure that the term is appropriate and does not perpetuate stigma, especially when discussing mental health or social care. Opt for more specific and sensitive language if possible, such as "they received care in a residential facility".

Common error

Avoid using "they were institutionalized" as a blanket term without considering the specific type of institution or the individual's experience. This can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reduce individuals to their institutional status. Always strive for person-centered language that acknowledges the individual's humanity and circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were institutionalized" primarily functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that individuals were subjected to the action of being placed in an institution. This construction often implies a lack of agency on the part of the individuals and focuses on the process or decision that led to their placement, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were institutionalized" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to describe the placement of individuals in residential institutions. Ludwig AI indicates it is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. While technically correct, its usage requires careful consideration due to potential negative connotations and the risk of perpetuating stigma. It's important to consider sensitivity and potentially opt for more specific and person-centered language alternatives. Therefore, while common enough, context dictates whether the use of the phrase is considered acceptable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were committed to an institution

Focuses specifically on the act of committing someone to an institution, often for mental health reasons.

they were placed in care

Implies a broader range of care settings, not necessarily a formal institution.

they were admitted to a facility

Highlights the admission process into a facility, often for treatment or rehabilitation.

they were confined to an asylum

Specifies confinement to an asylum, suggesting a historical or more restrictive setting.

they were interned

Suggests imprisonment or detention, often in the context of war or political conflict.

they were put away

A more informal and potentially stigmatizing way to describe institutionalization.

their behavior became regulated

Shift focus to behavioral regulation rather than location.

their actions became ingrained in the system

Focuses on actions or practices becoming deeply embedded within a system or organization.

they were formally recognized

Indicates official acceptance or establishment within a structure, not necessarily institutionalization.

they became systematized

Focuses on something becoming organized according to a system or plan.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "they were institutionalized"?

The phrase "they were institutionalized" typically means that individuals were placed in a residential institution such as a mental health facility, orphanage or other long-term care setting. It often implies that these individuals required specialized care or supervision that couldn't be provided in a typical home environment.

What are some less stigmatizing alternatives to "they were institutionalized"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "they were placed in care", "they received residential treatment", or "they lived in a group home" to avoid potentially stigmatizing language.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "they were institutionalized" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "they were institutionalized" might be considered outdated or insensitive in some academic contexts. Consider using more specific and neutral language that accurately describes the setting and type of care received, such as "they resided in a long-term care facility" or "they participated in a residential program".

How does "they were institutionalized" differ from "they were hospitalized"?

"They were institutionalized" generally refers to a longer-term placement in a residential facility, often for chronic conditions or ongoing care needs. In contrast, "they were hospitalized" typically implies a shorter stay in a hospital for acute medical treatment or evaluation.