they were known

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were known" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the reputation or recognition of a person or group in a specific context. Example: "In the art community, they were known for their innovative techniques and unique style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

So they were known".

The Guardian - Sport

They were known as the "Rough Riders".

Independent

They were known as giudei (Jews).

The New Yorker

(They were known as the Black Poor).

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were known as the Wolf Brigade.

The Guardian

They were known by different letters.

The Guardian

They were known as The Boys.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

They are known as blockbusters.

The Economist

They're known to be violent.

The New Yorker

They are known for living well.

The Economist

They are known as "interpreted" languages.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "they were known", ensure that the subsequent description aligns with the historical context and available evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "they were known" when referring to a future or ongoing state. Use "they are known" instead if the subjects are still known by that name or description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were known" functions as a passive construction, indicating how a group or entity was perceived or identified in the past. Ludwig examples show it describing past reputations, names, or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were known" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to describe past perceptions or identities. Ludwig examples demonstrate its wide application across various domains, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and science. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is generally considered correct and its alternatives include "they were recognised" or "they were identified as", each offering slight nuances in meaning. When writing, ensure that the tense aligns with the historical context and be mindful of potential errors like applying the phrase to future or ongoing states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were recognised

Interchangeable in contexts where acknowledgment or formal recognition is implied.

they were identified as

Focuses on the act of identification or classification.

they were called

A simpler and more direct way of indicating a name or label.

they were regarded as

Emphasizes a particular opinion or viewpoint held about them.

they were considered

Similar to 'regarded as', but can also imply a more thoughtful or deliberate assessment.

they had a reputation for

Highlights the established reputation or notoriety of the subjects.

they were famous for

Indicates widespread fame or recognition for a specific attribute or achievement.

they were noted for

Similar to 'famous for', but can also imply a more specific or noteworthy characteristic.

they were understood as

Focuses on the common understanding or interpretation of their actions or qualities.

they were seen as

Describes the perception or image that others had of them.

FAQs

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

"They were known" is used to describe the past reputation or identification of a group or entity. For example, "In the 1980s, "they were known as leveraged buyout shops"."

What are some alternatives to "they were known"?

Alternatives include phrases like "they were recognised", "they were identified as", or "they were called", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "they are known" instead of "they were known"?

Whether you should use "they are known" or "they were known" depends on the timeframe you're referring to. Use "they were known" when discussing a past reputation or identity, and "they are known" if it's current.

What's the difference between "they were known as" and "they were famous for"?

"They were known as" is a more general phrase indicating a name or label, while "they were famous for" implies widespread recognition for a specific achievement or characteristic.