they were promised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were promised" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that was assured or guaranteed to a group of people in the past. Example: "The employees were told that they were promised a bonus if they met their targets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were promised passage to America.

The New York Times

"They were promised jobs by these criminals".

The New York Times

This is what they were promised.

The Guardian - Opinion

There they were promised a rapid programme of demobilisation.

Independent

In the story, they were promised Paris, and got nothing.

The New York Times - Arts

They were promised a peaceful life in a pure caliphate.

The Washington Post

They were promised a 'paradise' in North Korea.

The Washington Post

They were promised following the referendum on Scottish independence.

The Guardian

They were promised ten episodes and creative freedom.

The New Yorker

In exchange, they were promised no layoffs for a year.

The New York Times

But the impoverished participants say they didn't get what they were promised.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "they were promised", ensure clarity regarding who made the promise and what exactly was promised. Providing context enhances the statement's credibility and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "they were promised" without specifying the promisor or the details of the promise. Vague statements diminish the trustworthiness of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were promised" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a promise was made to a group of people. As Ludwig shows, this construction appears in a wide range of contexts, signifying a commitment or assurance given to a specific group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were promised" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction indicating that a commitment or assurance was given to a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's commonly found in news reports, academic papers, and scientific publications, demonstrating its versatility across various contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, clarity is essential; always specify who made the promise and what was promised to enhance credibility. Alternatives such as "they were assured" or "they were guaranteed" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were assured

Highlights the act of alleviating doubt or concern through a declaration.

they were guaranteed

Emphasizes a stronger level of certainty compared to a mere promise.

they were given a commitment

Substitutes 'promise' with 'commitment', implying a serious intention and dedication.

they had been pledged

Implies a formal and solemn promise, often carrying a moral or legal weight.

they were given an undertaking

Replaces 'promise' with 'undertaking', suggesting a formal agreement or commitment.

they received assurances

Focuses on the act of receiving confirmation, shifting from the promise itself to the reception of it.

promises were made to them

Changes the sentence structure to emphasize the promises themselves.

they were offered

Indicates something presented as available or attainable, but not necessarily guaranteed.

they were told to expect

Focuses on the expectation created by the promise, rather than the promise itself.

they were led to believe

Suggests a degree of deception or uncertainty, where the promise might not be genuine.

FAQs

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

Use "they were promised" to indicate that a group of people received an assurance about a future event or benefit. For example, "The workers "they were promised" a bonus if the company met its targets."

What are some alternatives to "they were promised"?

You can use phrases like "they were assured", "they were guaranteed", or "they received assurances" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify who made the promise when using "they were promised"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying who made the promise adds credibility and context to your statement. It's generally best practice to provide this information whenever possible.

What is the difference between "they were promised" and "they were told"?

"They were promised" implies a commitment or assurance, while "they were told" simply indicates that information was conveyed, without any guarantee of fulfillment. The former carries a stronger implication of obligation.