they were introduced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were introduced" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the introduction of two or more people to each other. Example: "At the party, they were introduced to several important figures in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They were introduced by mutual friends.

The New York Times

They were introduced through friends of friends.

The New York Times

'They were introduced from Australia.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They were introduced by their landlords.

The New York Times

They were introduced and fell in love.

The Guardian - Music

They were introduced about four years ago.

The Guardian - Music

They were introduced through a professor, Gary Hawkins.

The New York Times

They were introduced by Sting and Trudie Styler.

The New York Times - Arts

"We were worried about these guidelines when they were introduced.

The Guardian

Gerda now entered the room and they were introduced.

The New Yorker

Early this year they were introduced to N.Y.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the introduction of people, specify the context or method of introduction for clarity (e.g., "They were introduced by a mutual friend").

Common error

Avoid using "they were introduced" when referring to inanimate objects unless you are describing the introduction of a new product, concept, or feature. For instance, instead of saying "They were introduced to the market," consider using "They were launched on the market".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were introduced" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (they) received the action of being introduced. This construction is used to describe how individuals or entities became acquainted. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were introduced" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to describe the act of making individuals or entities known to each other. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While versatile, it's important to ensure the phrase aligns with the intended meaning and context, especially when referring to inanimate objects. Alternatives like "they met" or "they became acquainted" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were presented

Emphasizes a more formal or ceremonial introduction, often in a group setting.

they were acquainted

Implies a formal introduction or becoming aware of each other's existence.

they met for the first time

Focuses specifically on the first encounter between individuals, implying a personal meeting rather than a general introduction.

they became acquainted

Highlights the process of getting to know each other after being introduced.

they encountered each other

Suggests a more chance or unexpected meeting, less formal than a planned introduction.

they were connected

Focuses on the establishment of a link or relationship between entities.

they were launched

Typically used for introducing products, services, or initiatives to the public.

they debuted

Similar to launched, often used in the context of artistic performances or products.

they were unveiled

Applicable when referring to the first public display of objects or concepts, not people.

they were discovered

Suggests that the entities in question were previously unknown or hidden.

FAQs

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

Use "they were introduced" to describe the act of making people known to each other. For example, "At the conference, they were introduced to key industry leaders".

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

You can use alternatives like "they met for the first time", "they were acquainted", or "they were presented" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "they were introduced" or "they introduced themselves"?

Both are correct, but they have different meanings. "They were introduced" implies someone else facilitated the introduction, while "they introduced themselves" means they initiated the interaction.

What's the difference between "they were introduced" and "they met"?

"They were introduced" focuses on the act of introduction, often by a third party. "They met" is more general and simply indicates an encounter, regardless of how it occurred. Consider "They met at a conference" versus "They were introduced at a conference by a mutual colleague".