they were recognized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were recognized" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone being acknowledged or identified, often in a formal or official context. Example: "At the award ceremony, they were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the 1930's, they were recognized as show dogs.

The New York Times - Sports

They were recognized for their efforts in granting tiny loans, or microcredit, to poor people.

The New York Times

The implications were both exciting and ominous, and they were recognized widely.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The welcoming warmth and friendliness of the hostess at the door made me think they were recognized patrons.

The New York Times

At least being asked about Palin made it seem like they were recognized as part of the contemporary United States.

The New Yorker

They were recognized and, coming out of one bank, were met by wild gunfire from vigilante citizens.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Before they were recognized for their holy lives, these saints were appreciated for what they could do for you," Father Arlotta said.

The New York Times

They were recognized as a tribe by New York and New Jersey in 1980, but the federal government has denied their application for tribal status, filed in 1979.

The New York Times

Such polyphyletic grades, which would put whales together with fish or birds together with bats, have generally been abandoned as soon as they were recognized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thanks to dependable financial support, state schools and universities gained in prestige and academic performance until they were recognized as among the outstanding educational institutions of the country.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By 1931 they were recognized as having special status within the empire by the Statute of Westminster, which referred specifically to a "British Commonwealth of Nations".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were recognized" to indicate a formal acknowledgment or identification, such as in professional or academic contexts.

Common error

While "they were recognized" is grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound less direct. Consider rephrasing in the active voice if appropriate: "People recognized them"/

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were recognized" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (they) underwent the action of being recognized. This structure is commonly used to emphasize the recipient of the action rather than the actor. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

32%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were recognized" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction to indicate that a group or individuals were acknowledged or identified. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. Its neutral formality makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. While versatile, writers should be mindful of potential overuse and consider active voice alternatives when appropriate. Common related phrases include "they were acknowledged" and "they received recognition".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were acknowledged

Emphasizes being formally or publicly admitted or recognized.

they received recognition

Highlights the act of being given recognition.

they gained recognition

Focuses on the act of achieving recognition, implying effort or progress.

they were identified

Focuses on the act of being singled out or distinguished.

they were distinguished

Emphasizes being recognized for exceptional qualities or achievements.

they became known

Indicates a gradual process of becoming recognized.

they were honored

Implies a formal and respectful form of recognition.

they were celebrated

Suggests recognition accompanied by praise and honor.

they were accredited

Focuses on being officially recognized as meeting certain standards.

their contributions were lauded

Highlights praise and acclaim for specific contributions.

FAQs

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

The phrase "they were recognized" is used to indicate that a group or individuals were identified or acknowledged for something. For example, "They were recognized for their contributions to the community".

What is a more formal alternative to "they were recognized"?

More formal alternatives include "they were acknowledged" or "they received recognition".

Is it better to use active or passive voice when using "they were recognized"?

While "they were recognized" is in the passive voice, using the active voice can sometimes make your writing more direct. For example, instead of "they were recognized", you could say "people recognized them".

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

"They were recognized" implies acknowledgment or approval, while "they were identified" simply means they were singled out or distinguished from others.