they were parted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were parted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two people or things have been separated from each other, often implying a sense of loss or distance. Example: "After years of being together, they were parted by circumstances beyond their control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

They were parted at the start of the final hour.

The Guardian - Sport

They were parted when Vincent went aerial against spinner Monty Panesar but only succeeded in spiralling the ball to mid-on.

Independent

Having discovered why they were parted, their thoughts turned to why they were given up for adoption in the first place, and the woman who had relinquished them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Together, father and daughter lick the raisins from her oatmeal off the kitchen table ("We're eating like leopards," he explains), which shows what a kid he is himself, and what sort of laceration would result if they were parted.

The New Yorker

Six bowlers shared the wickets, but the lion's share of the runs were scored by openers Michael Carberry (110) and Jimmy Adams (231), who added 253 in the equivalent of two sessions' cricket before they were parted.

The Guardian - Sport

The 18-year-olds, Lexi and Tori Weeks, who spoke to Jeré Longman of the New York Times, say they improve each other, would be lost if they were parted and dream of qualifying for the 2016 Olympics together.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

They were part of it.

The New York Times

They were part of the family".

The New York Times

They were part of a deluge.

The New York Times

They were part of my living expenses.

The New York Times - Sports

They were part of our family".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were parted" to describe a separation between two entities, whether people, objects, or ideas. It often implies an external force or circumstance caused the separation.

Common error

Avoid using "they were parted" when the subjects actively chose to separate. In such cases, use "they separated" or "they parted ways" to reflect the active decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were parted" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a separation occurred, often due to external factors. As noted by Ludwig, it signifies that two entities, be it people, things, or ideas, have been separated. The examples show usage in contexts like cricket matches or personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Lifestyle

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were parted" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a separation, often caused by external circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is commonly found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral formality level. When using this phrase, ensure that the separation was not a voluntary action by the subjects. For situations where subjects actively separate, consider alternatives like "they separated" or "they parted ways".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they separated

Focuses on the action of separating, without necessarily implying a reason or agent.

they were divided

Highlights the division or split between them, often suggesting disagreement or conflict.

they went their separate ways

Emphasizes the independent paths taken after the separation.

they broke up

Specifically implies the end of a relationship.

they were disconnected

Focuses on the loss of connection or communication.

their relationship ended

A more formal way to describe the termination of a relationship.

they were estranged

Suggests a prolonged period of separation and lack of communication, often due to conflict.

they came to an end

Describes that something between them, probably a relationship, terminated.

they ceased to be together

A formal way of saying that they are no longer together.

they parted ways

More or less similar to QUERY, but it's an active voice version.

FAQs

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

The phrase "they were parted" is used in the passive voice to describe a situation where two or more entities were separated, often by an external force or circumstance. For example: "After a long and successful partnership, "they were parted" due to conflicting business interests."

What are some alternatives to "they were parted"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "they separated", "they were divided", or "they went their separate ways".

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

While "they are parted" is grammatically correct, it implies a current state of separation. "They were parted" indicates that the separation occurred in the past. The choice depends on the intended meaning and tense.

What is the difference between "they were parted" and "they separated"?

"They were parted" usually implies an external force caused the separation, while "they separated" suggests a more voluntary or mutual decision. For example, ""they were parted" by the war", but "they separated after years of marriage".