they were noticed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were noticed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something received attention or recognition from others. Example: "Despite their quiet demeanor, they were noticed for their exceptional contributions to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"They were noticed.

The New York Times

They were noticed as far south as Fresno and as far north as Chico.

University of California, Berkeley

Four years ago they were noticed, hanging out off this tiny Icelandic town in winter, feasting on herring.

The Guardian - Travel

Just a few years ago, such proclamations — and the executives who made them — might have been viewed as curiosities, if they were noticed at all.

The New York Times

They suffered multiple injuries after being hit by a train just after 1am, and their bodies lay on the tracks for nearly seven hours before they were noticed.

The Guardian - Arts

Some of his best scenarios were never filmed but only published in journals; yet they were noticed by specialists for their freshness of representation and were awarded prizes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

I wondered, as I always do, just what they were noticing, and how it was being imprinted on their minds.

The New York Times

After a semester or so, editors said they were noticing a marked difference in my writing.

Huffington Post

To show that, you know, that they're noticed.

Harvard Business Review

"Things are always unnoticed until they are noticed," he said.

The Guardian - Business

They are noticed because of the recessionary debate about rebalancing the world economy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were noticed" when you want to emphasize that a group or collective entity gained attention or recognition, especially after a period of being overlooked.

Common error

Avoid using "they were noticed" when an active voice construction would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "they were noticed by the scouts", consider "the scouts noticed them".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were noticed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group or entity received attention. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It often implies that the group was previously overlooked or not prominent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

17%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were noticed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that a group or entity has gained attention. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across numerous contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the active voice as a potentially more direct alternative. The expression sees frequent use in news and media, but also appears consistently in academic, wiki and other sources. By understanding its function, purpose, and potential alternatives, writers can effectively use "they were noticed" to convey their intended meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were recognized

Highlights the act of being formally acknowledged or identified.

they attracted attention

Focuses on the act of drawing attention, suggesting a more active or compelling presence.

they gained recognition

Emphasizes the achievement of being acknowledged or appreciated for their qualities or actions.

they came to prominence

Suggests a rise in importance or visibility, often over a period of time.

they became known

Highlights the process of becoming familiar or recognized by others.

they stood out

Implies that they were distinct or remarkable in comparison to others.

they were spotted

Indicates a casual or perhaps unexpected observation.

they were observed

Suggests a more formal or scientific examination.

they were identified

Implies a precise or official determination of their presence or identity.

they made an impression

Focuses on the lasting effect or impact they had on others.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were noticed" to indicate that a group or entity received attention or recognition. For example, "After years of hard work, "they were noticed" by industry leaders".

What are some alternatives to "they were noticed"?

Alternatives include "they attracted attention", "they gained recognition", or "they became known", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "they were noticed" or "people noticed them"?

The choice depends on the desired emphasis. "They were noticed" uses the passive voice, focusing on the group that received attention. "People noticed them" uses the active voice, focusing on the people who did the noticing.

What's the difference between "they were noticed" and "they were recognized"?

"They were noticed" simply means they came to someone's attention. "They were recognized" implies a formal acknowledgment or appreciation of their qualities or achievements. While it's subtle, it does make a difference and is more accurately conveyed through "they gained recognition".