they were intercepted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were intercepted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something or someone was caught or stopped before reaching their intended destination, often in a military, sports, or communication context. Example: "The enemy's messages were intercepted by our intelligence team, providing us with crucial information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At that stage, they were intercepted by the Algerian army.

The Guardian

While in Indonesian waters, they were intercepted by local authorities and eventually made it home.

The Economist

- the bomb and its components were said to be in transit when they were intercepted.

The Guardian

But they were intercepted by the Hutu army and militia and diverted to a gravel pit.

The Guardian

After about a week at sea they were intercepted by a naval ship and forced to return to Sittwe.

The Economist

Morales tried to defect in early June, but was one of 31 Cubans repatriated after they were intercepted at sea.

The New York Times - Sports

"The tourists were in three vehicles in Menaka when they were intercepted by a group of rebels.

The Guardian

Last month, he was refused asylum along with 30 others after they were intercepted at sea by the Coast Guard.

The New York Times

They were intercepted at the Saintes Passage, between the islands of Dominica and Guadeloupe, by a British fleet of 36 ships commanded by Admiral Sir George Rodney.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When it landed, the officers moved in, but they were intercepted by soldiers, who, Mr. Braun said, "executed them on the airstrip".

The New York Times

"Slovenia big problem," he says, explaining how he and Morteza, "my uncle's boy", were travelling with eight adults when they were intercepted by the Slovenian police.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were intercepted" when you want to emphasize that someone or something was stopped before reaching their intended destination. This phrase is particularly useful in contexts involving law enforcement, military operations, or communication systems.

Common error

Avoid using "they was intercepted" instead of "they were intercepted". The verb 'were' is the correct plural form to use with the pronoun 'they'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were intercepted" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject ('they') was the recipient of the action of being stopped or caught. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were intercepted" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction that describes a situation where a group was stopped before reaching their intended destination. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable. Its usage spans from formal news reports to general discussions, although it appears most frequently in the "News & Media" context. When using this phrase, remember to maintain subject-verb agreement and consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate alternative if needed, such as "they were apprehended" or "they were caught". By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate "they were intercepted" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were apprehended

Replaces 'intercepted' with 'apprehended', suggesting a more formal or legal context of being caught.

they were caught

A simpler and more direct way of saying they were stopped, suitable for informal contexts.

they were stopped

Focuses on the action of being halted, without necessarily implying a specific method or reason.

they were halted

Similar to 'stopped' but can imply a more forceful or abrupt cessation of movement.

they were blocked

Suggests a physical barrier or obstruction prevented them from proceeding.

they were obstructed

Similar to 'blocked', but implies a deliberate act of hindering or impeding progress.

they were prevented from proceeding

A more formal and explicit way of saying they were stopped from continuing their journey or action.

their progress was thwarted

Emphasizes the frustration of their plans being disrupted or defeated.

their attempt was foiled

Highlights that an attempt to do something was successfully prevented.

they were ambushed

Indicates they were caught in a surprise attack or trap.

FAQs

How is "they were intercepted" used in a sentence?

"They were intercepted" is used to describe a situation where a group was stopped before reaching their destination. For example: "The smugglers thought they would make it to the coast, but "they were intercepted" by the coast guard."

What are some alternatives to "they were intercepted"?

Alternatives include "they were caught", "they were stopped", or "they were apprehended". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when writing a sentence containing "they were intercepted"?

Using the passive voice ("they were intercepted") focuses on the group being stopped. The active voice equivalent might be "Authorities intercepted them", which emphasizes the authorities' action. Choose the voice that best suits your intended emphasis.

What does "they were intercepted" mean in a military context?

In a military context, "they were intercepted" means that enemy forces or communications were stopped or disrupted before they could reach their target or intended recipient. This could involve physical interception, electronic interception, or other means of disrupting the enemy's plans.