they were set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were set" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been established, arranged, or positioned in a certain way. Example: "After hours of preparation, they were set to begin the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They were set up, they were set up!" he exclaimed.

The Guardian

Q: You say they were set up.

The New York Times

They were set up to educate children.

The Guardian

They were set up about five months ago during protests.

The New York Times

"They were set on getting rid of me.

The New York Times - Sports

"They were set to stop any kind of project".

The New York Times

They were set in the corners of the living room.

The New Yorker

They were set up as sanctuaries for the defenseless.

The New Yorker

When they came to a stop, they were set alight.

The Guardian - Travel

For this reason they were set outside the asset boundary.

The Economist

They were set up by the United States, Britain and France, not the United Nations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were set up" to express arrangements that are complex or strategic, especially when a system or organization is involved.

Common error

Avoid using "they were set" when the active voice would be more direct and clear. For example, instead of "they were set by the company", use "the company set them" to highlight the actor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were set" primarily functions as a passive construction indicating a state of being arranged, prepared, or destined. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English, showcasing diverse applications across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were set" is a versatile and commonly used expression in English, indicating arrangement, preparation, or intent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, highlighting its frequent appearance in diverse contexts such as News & Media and Science. When writing, ensure the context clarifies what is being arranged or prepared, and consider alternatives like "they were ready" or "they were prepared" for nuanced meanings. Avoid overuse in passive voice where an active voice would enhance clarity. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "they were set" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they had been arranged

This alternative emphasizes the act of arranging something beforehand, highlighting the preparatory aspect.

they were prepared

This option focuses on the state of being ready or equipped for a specific purpose or situation.

they were positioned

This phrase is particularly suitable when emphasizing the physical placement or strategic location of subjects.

they were scheduled

Use this when referring to events or activities that have been planned to occur at a specific time.

they were designated

Suitable when indicating that something has been officially assigned or chosen for a particular purpose.

they were programmed

This alternative is fitting when referring to machines or systems that have been set up to perform specific tasks.

they were inclined

This suggests a predisposition or tendency towards a certain action or belief.

they were predisposed

Similar to 'inclined', but implies a more inherent or genetic tendency.

they were aimed

Emphasizes the direction or goal towards which efforts or resources are being directed.

they were adapted

Indicates that something has been modified to suit a new purpose or condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were set" to indicate that something was arranged, prepared, or positioned. For example, "they were set up for success" or "they were set to begin the project".

What are some alternatives to "they were set"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "they were ready", "they were prepared", or "they were positioned".

Is it correct to say "they were set on"?

Yes, "they were set on" is correct, and it means they were determined or intent on something. For example, "they were set on winning".

What is the difference between "they were set up" and "they were set"?

"they were set up" typically means they were framed or tricked, while "they were set" generally means they were arranged or prepared.