they were provided with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were provided with" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to show that someone or something has been given or supplied with something. Here is an example sentence: The students were provided with new textbooks at the beginning of the school year.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were provided with water.

The New York Times

They were provided with advance copies by the publisher.

The New York Times - Books

They were provided with a fine house but only a single bed.

The New Yorker

At about ten in the morning, they were provided with plastic chairs.

The New Yorker

Fadl's older children spoke only Arabic, and they were provided with tutors for their schooling.

The New Yorker

The information that they were provided with was an incorrect summary of the information held by the "government machine".

The Guardian

At the same time they were provided with an official mentor in the form of Stefanie Ridel.

The New York Times - Arts

Small children are not great "drivers," even when they were provided with steering devices on those old-fashioned sleds.

The New York Times

Because of food shortages, they were provided with only a biscuit for breakfast and a bowl of noodles for dinner.

The New York Times

They were provided with drinking water and food ad libitum.

Nanoscale Research Letters

To help students in planning the investigation, they were provided with coloured cards containing some questions.

Educación Química

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying what was provided, ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of "They were provided with support", specify "They were provided with technical support and training".

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider using active voice when appropriate for a more direct and engaging style. For example, instead of "They were provided with resources", try "The organization provided them with resources".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were provided with" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject received something. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, confirming its correct usage and grammatical structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were provided with" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction to indicate that something was given or supplied to a group. As demonstrated by Ludwig's numerous examples, it appears across various domains such as science, news, and formal business communications. While versatile, it's important to note that the phrase lends itself to a more neutral or formal tone, and overuse of the passive voice should be avoided for more engaging writing. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage and provides ample real-world examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they received

This alternative is more concise and direct, focusing on the act of receiving.

they were given

This alternative uses a simpler verb, "given", making it more accessible.

they were supplied with

This alternative emphasizes the act of supplying or furnishing something.

they were furnished with

This alternative is slightly more formal, suggesting a complete provision.

they were equipped with

This alternative emphasizes the provision of tools or equipment for a specific purpose.

they obtained

This alternative focuses on the act of acquiring or getting something.

they acquired

This alternative implies gaining possession of something, often over time.

they were allocated

This alternative suggests a formal distribution or assignment of resources.

they were granted

This alternative implies permission or authorization to receive something.

they benefited from

This alternative focuses on the positive outcome or advantage gained from receiving something.

FAQs

What does "they were provided with" mean?

The phrase "they were provided with" means that someone or something was given or supplied with something, usually in an official or formal context. You can use alternatives like "they received" or "they were given".

How can I use "they were provided with" in a sentence?

You can use "they were provided with" to indicate that someone received something, such as "The refugees were provided with shelter and food" or "The students were provided with textbooks and laptops".

What are some alternatives to "they were provided with"?

Some alternatives to "they were provided with" include "they were supplied with", "they were furnished with", or "they obtained" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when using the phrase "they were provided with"?

While "they were provided with" is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "The organization provided them with...") can often make your writing more direct and engaging. Choose the voice that best suits the context and your intended emphasis.