they were released

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were released" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of someone or something being set free or made available after being held or confined. Example: "After a thorough investigation, the suspects were released from custody."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were released on probation.

The New York Times

They were released without arrest.

The New Yorker

They were released overnight.

The New York Times

Eventually they were released.

The Guardian

Then, without explanation, they were released.

The New York Times

They were released for time served.

The New York Times

They were released several hours later.

Independent

They were released and disappeared that afternoon.

Independent

"They were released after they apologised".

Independent

They were released on their own recognizance.

The New York Times

They were released the next day.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were released" when you want to indicate that someone was previously held or detained and is now free to leave.

Common error

Avoid using "they were released" when you actually mean "they were fired" or "they were emitted". "Released" implies a previous state of confinement or obligation, which isn't the case with employment termination or emission of something such as a gas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were released" functions as a passive construction indicating that a group of individuals experienced the action of being freed or discharged from some form of confinement or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were released" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to convey that a group of individuals previously held or detained has been freed. Its primary usage context is news and media, although it is also applicable in more formal or neutral settings. When using this phrase, be mindful of its specific connotation related to prior confinement and consider more precise alternatives if the intended meaning involves other forms of dismissal or freedom. Remember that "released" implies that previously these individuals were not free.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were set free

Focuses on the act of liberation or granting freedom.

they were let go

Emphasizes the act of allowing someone to leave or be dismissed.

they were discharged

Suggests a formal release, often from a duty or obligation.

they were acquitted

Specifically refers to being found not guilty in a court of law.

they were exonerated

Highlights the clearing of blame or responsibility.

they were absolved

Suggests being forgiven or cleared of sins or wrongdoing.

they were liberated

Emphasizes freedom from oppression or captivity.

they gained their freedom

Highlights the achievement of freedom after a period of constraint.

they were sprung

An informal way of saying they were freed, often implying assistance or a quick release.

they walked free

Focuses on the act of leaving a situation without punishment or constraint.

FAQs

What's the difference between "they were released" and "they were arrested"?

"They were arrested" means someone was taken into custody, while "they were released" means they were freed from custody. These are opposite actions.

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

You can use alternatives like "they were set free", "they were let go", or "they were discharged" depending on the context.

How is "they were released" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "they were released" often means individuals were freed after an arrest, detention, or imprisonment. Alternatives include "they were acquitted" (found not guilty) or "they were exonerated" (cleared of blame).

Is it correct to say "they were released on bail"?

Yes, "they were released on bail" is correct. It means they were released from custody after paying bail, which is a sum of money used as a guarantee that they will attend future court appearances.