they were listed

USAGE SUMMARY

'they were listed' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something has been formally written down, arranged, or noted. For example, "The items in the storeroom were listed on an inventory sheet for easy reference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were listed using the numbering system of the school so that they can be identified easily.

BMC Public Health

Faculty were included in the study population if they were listed as instructors in each institution's course listings for the 2013 spring semester.

International Journal of STEM Education

The men, ages 73 and 47, were taken to a local hospital where they were listed in serious condition.

The New York Times

They were listed on Amer.

The New Yorker

They were listed as terrorists.

The Guardian

They were listed in stable condition.

The New York Times

They were listed as assets in dowries.

The New York Times

They were listed in serious condition yesterday.

The New York Times

They were listed as missing on Thursday.

The New York Times

They were listed as highly acutely toxic agents.

NeuroToxicology

They were listed as an endangered species in 1974.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were listed", ensure the context provides information about where and why they were listed for clarity. For example, "They were listed on the endangered species list." provides more context than just "They were listed".

Common error

Avoid using "they were listed" without specifying where or how they were listed. Saying "They were listed" without context leaves the reader wondering what list is being referenced. Providing context ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were listed" primarily functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a group or set of items underwent the action of being listed. This phrase appears in various contexts, as demonstrated by Ludwig, implying that the subjects have been formally recorded or included in some kind of inventory, directory, or register.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were listed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that indicates the formal recording or inclusion of items or individuals in a list or compilation. According to Ludwig AI, this passive construction commonly appears in neutral contexts such as news reports, scientific articles, and academic papers. While its primary function is to convey factual information, it's crucial to provide adequate context to specify where and how "they were listed" to avoid ambiguity. The examples available via Ludwig confirm its versatility across a range of subjects, from medical statuses to endangered species.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were cataloged

This alternative focuses on systematic recording, often in an organized manner, like in libraries or databases.

they were registered

This implies an official recording, often with an authority or organization.

they were included

This suggests being part of a larger group or compilation.

they were identified

This emphasizes the act of recognizing and noting items or individuals.

they were designated

This means assigning a specific status or role, often formally.

they were classified

This implies arranging items into categories based on shared characteristics.

they were enumerated

This indicates a counting and recording process, often sequentially.

they were specified

This highlights the act of detailing or explicitly stating particular items.

they were recorded

This emphasizes the documentation of items or individuals for future reference.

they were documented

This focuses on providing detailed information about items or individuals.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were listed" to indicate that items or individuals have been officially recorded or included in a compilation. For example, "The missing items were listed in the police report."

What's a formal alternative to "they were listed"?

A formal alternative to "they were listed" could be "they were registered" or "they were cataloged", especially in official or academic contexts. "The historical artifacts "they were cataloged" meticulously in the museum's archive."

Which is more appropriate: "they were listed" or "they are listed"?

The choice between "they were listed" and "they are listed" depends on the timing of the listing. Use "they were listed" for past events and "they are listed" if the listing is current. Example: "Currently, "they are listed" as active members."

What does it mean when someone says, "they were listed in stable condition"?

When someone says, "they were listed in stable condition", it means that the injured individuals were recorded as being in a non-critical but not necessarily improving state at a hospital or medical facility. The term "listed" here is specific to medical status reporting.