they were serviced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were serviced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where services were provided to individuals or items, such as maintenance or assistance. Example: "After the long journey, they were serviced at the nearest repair shop to ensure everything was functioning properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

From 1954 until 1965, the lightship relieved others along the East Coast as they were serviced.

The New York Times

She had expected them to be disgusting, but they were serviced multiple times per day and by porta-potty standards, things could be a lot worse.

TechCrunch

They were serviced by No. 486 Maintenance Squadron, with deeper maintenance and upgrades carried out by No. 2 Aircraft Depot (No. 2 AD), both units being based at Richmond.

Wikipedia

Keith Caulfield from Billboard noted that Island Def Jam Music's strategy of delaying the release was unusual as fellow pop contemporaries, such as Lady Gaga and Britney Spears, "released their singles to digital retailers at about the same time they were serviced to radio and streaming sites".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The customers that they were servicing obviously have probably gone down, but they're still around.

The New York Times

"The very people servicing us while we want to take our kids on holiday – when are they going to take time off, when they're servicing our needs?

The Guardian

"The budget carriers end up at Stansted - they're servicing people who aren't using London for transit," says David Kaminski-Morrow.

BBC

You should really take advantage if they're servicing your city.

TechCrunch

It doesn't make it right, but if they're servicing an audience's wants, so be it.

Vice

They're servicing, they're looking after a loved one.

Disability and Rehabilitation

They are service providers who live on low overheads, exploit niches and rely on smart staff.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were serviced" when you want to emphasize that the subject received a specific service or maintenance action. It is commonly used when referring to equipment, vehicles, or facilities.

Common error

Avoid using "they were serviced" when you intend to express active participation. Ensure the subject is truly receiving an action rather than performing it. For example, instead of "they were serviced the customers", say "they serviced the customers".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were serviced" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (they) received a service. This usage aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correctness and usability. It's used to describe an action performed on the subject, rather than one the subject performs.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were serviced" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that a service or maintenance has been performed on a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s most commonly found in News & Media. To ensure proper usage, remember that the subject must be receiving an action, aligning with its passive voice construction. Be mindful of the active voice and ensure not to utilize the phrase in place of an actor. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly when discussing equipment, vehicles, or facilities that have undergone maintenance. Overall, "they were serviced" is a useful and valid construction when employed correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they received maintenance

Focuses on the action of receiving maintenance rather than the act of being serviced.

they were maintained

Emphasizes the continuous effort to keep something in good condition.

they underwent servicing

Uses a more technical or formal term for the process of servicing.

they were attended to

Focuses on the act of being given attention and care.

they had service performed on them

A more verbose construction highlighting the performance of a service.

they were checked and repaired

Specifically mentions the actions of checking and repairing.

they were looked after

Implies care and attention beyond just mechanical servicing.

they benefited from service

Highlights the positive outcome of receiving service.

they were given assistance

Broadly refers to any form of help or support provided.

they were supported with services

Focuses on the support aspect of providing services.

FAQs

What does "they were serviced" mean?

The phrase "they were serviced" means that a group of items or individuals received maintenance, repairs, or some other form of service. It implies that someone performed a task to ensure the items or individuals were in proper working order or condition.

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

You can use "they were serviced" in a sentence to describe a passive action. For example: "The lightship relieved others along the East Coast as "they were serviced"." or "The aircraft were serviced by the maintenance squadron."

What are some alternatives to saying "they were serviced"?

Some alternatives include "they received maintenance", "they underwent servicing", or "they were maintained". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "they were service" instead of "they were serviced"?

No, "they were service" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "they were serviced", which uses the past participle form of the verb "service" to indicate that a service was performed on them.