they were received

USAGE SUMMARY

"they were received" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are describing an event in which something or someone has been given. For example: "The supplies were delivered to the village and they were received with great appreciation from the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were received with something more than mere respect.

Independent

Instead, they were received with a virtual national shrug.

The New York Times

Instead, says Wright, they were received with delays, hostility and "diversionary tactics".

The Guardian - Business

They were received by E. J. Kahn, who wrote for the magazine for fifty-six years.

The New Yorker

In Afghanistan, they were received by a jubilant Yuldashev and the Taliban.

The New Yorker

"We don't know at what point they were received," he said.

The New York Times

It seems that their government had been converting Russian payments into francs as they were received.

The New York Times

They were received with caution lest the entire matter prove to be a letdown.

The New Yorker

They were received by open arms in many other European countries.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many of the letters were answered the same day they were received.

The New York Times

The complaints were cataloged based on the day they were received and where they had originated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "they were received", consider the tone you want to convey. The phrase is generally neutral but can imply a positive reception depending on the context. For a negative reception, use phrases like 'they were met with resistance'.

Common error

Avoid using "they were received" when the active voice is more appropriate and direct. For instance, instead of 'The guests were received by the host', consider 'The host received the guests' for a more concise sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were received" functions as a passive construction. This indicates that the subject ('they') is the recipient of an action. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase. The usage examples illustrate its role in describing how a group or things were welcomed or handled.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were received" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction, as verified by Ludwig. It serves the purpose of describing how a group or things were welcomed or handled in various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific reports and general discussions. While its tone is generally neutral, the context often implies a positive or negative reception. Ludwig’s AI highlights that the phrase is suitable for describing events where something or someone has been given. When writing, it's important to consider the context and audience to ensure the appropriate tone is conveyed and to avoid overusing the passive voice when the active voice would be more direct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were welcomed

Emphasizes the positive reception or welcoming of someone or something.

they got

A more informal way of saying they received something, suitable for casual contexts.

they obtained

Focuses on the act of getting something, shifting from the reception itself.

they acquired

Suggests a more formal or deliberate process of obtaining something.

they were given

Highlights the act of providing something, altering the focus from the receiver.

they were granted

Indicates permission or authorization was given, rather than a simple reception.

they picked up

Suggests an informal collection of something, often without planning.

they experienced

Focuses on the experience rather than the act of receiving something specific.

they underwent

Shifts the meaning to experiencing a process, losing the sense of receiving.

they were subjected to

Implies being forced to endure something, which carries a negative connotation.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were received" to describe how a group or things were welcomed or handled. For example, "The refugees were received with open arms" or "The proposals were received favorably".

What's the difference between "they were received" and "they received"?

"They were received" is in the passive voice, emphasizing the action done to them. "They received" is in the active voice, emphasizing their role in receiving. The choice depends on which you want to highlight.

Which is correct, "they were received warmly" or "they received warmly"?

"They were received warmly" is correct because "received" is a passive verb. The adverb "warmly" modifies how they were received, not how they actively received something. Using "they received warmly" is grammatically incorrect.

What can I say instead of "they were received"?

You can use alternatives like "they were welcomed", "they obtained", or "they were given" depending on the context.