they were selected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were selected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a group of individuals who have been chosen for a specific purpose or task. Example: "After a thorough review of all applicants, they were selected to participate in the prestigious program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

CURT NICKISCH: They were selected carefully.

Harvard Business Review

AMY EDMONDSON: They were selected carefully.

Harvard Business Review

After they were selected, they increased the amounts they gave.

The New York Times

They were selected from almost 3,000 applications.

The Guardian

I thought they were selected from many random interviews.

The New York Times

In May they were selected to represent their country.

The Guardian - Sport

They were selected because of their outstanding ability and aggressiveness.

Cornell University

They were selected from a field of 300 nominees.

Harvard University

They were selected by Multi-Stage Random Sampling.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

They were selected by the parties, and their judgment cannot be appealed.

The New York Times

They were selected from submissions to the page, some of which were solicited by the editors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were selected", ensure the context clearly indicates the criteria or process by which the selection was made. This adds clarity and authority to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "they were selected" without specifying how or why they were chosen. This can leave your audience wondering about the basis for selection and weaken your message. Always provide context or justification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were selected" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a group of individuals has undergone a process of selection. Ludwig examples confirm its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were selected" is a versatile and frequently used expression, indicating that a group has been chosen for a specific reason. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "they were chosen" or "they were picked" exist, "they were selected" carries a slightly more formal tone. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide context regarding the selection criteria to ensure clarity and impact. Avoiding vagueness enhances the phrase's effectiveness and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were chosen

This alternative emphasizes the act of choosing with a slightly more informal tone.

they were picked

Similar to "they were chosen", this option is more casual and implies a simpler selection process.

they were handpicked

This highlights a careful and deliberate selection, suggesting individual attention was given to each choice.

they were nominated

This indicates that individuals were formally proposed before being chosen.

they were appointed

Suggests a formal assignment to a position or task.

they were designated

Implies selection for a specific role or purpose, often officially.

they were elected

Indicates selection through a voting process.

they were recruited

Suggests active seeking and selection, often for a specific skill set.

they were admitted

Refers to being granted entry, often into a group or institution.

they were identified

Implies recognition and selection based on specific characteristics or criteria.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were selected" to indicate that a group of individuals was chosen for a specific purpose, such as "They were selected for the team based on their skills" or "They were selected to participate in the study".

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

You can use alternatives like "they were chosen", "they were picked", or "they were handpicked" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "they were selected" or "they were chosen"?

Both "they were selected" and "they were chosen" are grammatically correct, but "they were selected" is slightly more formal. The best choice depends on the tone you want to convey.

What's the difference between "they were selected" and "they were appointed"?

"They were selected" implies a general choice from a pool of candidates. "They were appointed" suggests a more formal assignment to a specific position or task, often by an authority.