they were managed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were managed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how a group or individuals were overseen or directed by someone or something. Example: "The projects were successful because they were managed by a skilled team of professionals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Although they were managed according to WHO guidelines [ 4] for fluid management, they later developed recovery phase pulmonary oedema resulting in extended morbidity in two patients and death in one.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Others simply don't know any better: They were promoted into a manager role without proper training, or that's how they were managed.

Huffington Post

Others simply don't know any better: Maybe they were promoted into a manager role without proper training, or maybe that's how they were managed.

Huffington Post

"They were managed with very little urgency," Mr. Ron said.

The New York Times

They were managed by John Sinclair, a local hippy who had recently been released from prison.

The Guardian - Music

I have some health complaints but they were managed really well, which was massive for me.

The Guardian - Sport

By then, they were managed and coached by a fiery former player named Mervyn (Red) Dutton.

The New Yorker

They were managed by their father, Austin Wiggin, Jr., and were sometimes accompanied by another sister, Rachel.

The New Yorker

They were managed by Gordon Strachan, had David Burrows in defence, Gary McAllister in midfield and up front the deadly duo of Dion Dublin and Darren Huckerby.

The Guardian - Sport

"They were owned by a Delawarean, and they were managed by a Delawarean," said Jon Rafal, director of the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame in Wilmington.

The New York Times - Sports

Not in the way World Service staff viewed or carried out their own roles, but in the way they were managed and output was shaped.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were managed", ensure it's clear who or what was doing the managing. Providing context about the management structure or process enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying who or what was responsible for the management. For example, instead of just stating "they were managed", specify "they were managed by the project team" or "they were managed according to strict guidelines".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were managed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a group or items received management. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and usable across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

57%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were managed" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to describe how something was overseen or controlled. Ludwig AI validates its widespread usability across varied contexts. While "they were managed" is suitable for numerous situations, it's crucial to ensure clarity by specifying the manager, which enhances the overall understanding. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase commonly appears in both News & Media and Scientific contexts. When aiming for greater impact, consider active voice alternatives like "the team managed them".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were handled

Focuses on the method of dealing with something, rather than the oversight.

they were supervised

Emphasizes oversight and guidance during the process.

they were directed

Highlights the act of giving instructions and guidance.

they were administered

Implies a formal process of control and application.

they were controlled

Stresses the aspect of keeping something within specific limits.

they were governed

Suggests a system of rules and authority.

they were overseen

Focuses on the act of watching and directing operations.

they were coordinated

Highlights the organization and synchronization of activities.

they were conducted

Emphasizes the execution or carrying out of a process.

they were orchestrated

Implies a carefully planned and skillfully executed operation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they were managed" to sound more active?

Instead of "they were managed", consider using active voice constructions like "the team managed them", "supervisors oversaw them", or "the system controlled them" to make the sentence more direct and engaging.

What are some synonyms for "they were managed" in a formal context?

In formal settings, you might use phrases such as "they were administered", "they were governed", or "they were overseen" to convey a sense of structured control and responsibility.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when using "they were managed"?

While "they were managed" is grammatically correct, active voice can often be more direct and concise. For instance, "the project lead managed the tasks" is more active than "the tasks were managed by the project lead".

What's the difference between "they were managed" and "they were handled"?

"They were managed" implies a broader oversight and direction, while "they were handled" suggests a specific method of dealing with something. Management involves planning and control, whereas handling focuses on the execution or process.