they were settled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were settled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group of people has established themselves in a particular place or situation. Example: "After years of searching for the perfect home, they were settled in a quaint little town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Now they were settled in St . Louis

The New Yorker

When they were settled he kissed her.

The New Yorker

Soon, they were settled around a table there.

The New York Times - Style

Once they were settled around the table, Finch stood up.

The New Yorker

"Cold up here," he said, when they were settled.

The New Yorker

He opened his Kew Gardens' home of 25 years to many people until they were settled.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"That's why they said they were settling the lawsuit," Mr. Myers said.

The New York Times

Indeed, by half time they were settling into something approaching a rhythmic passing groove.

The Guardian - Sport

They were settling for jumpers, sleepily getting back on defense and playing sloppily.

The New York Times - Sports

The marines of Company L suddenly found themselves under fire even as they were settling.

The New York Times

They were settling in at the pub, pulling chairs together, when Bill slapped his palm on the table.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the nuance you want to convey. "They were settled" implies more than just location; it suggests establishment and stability.

Common error

Avoid using "they were settled" when an active voice construction would be more direct and impactful. For instance, instead of "they were settled by the company", consider "the company settled them".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were settled" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group or entity underwent the action of being established or placed. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase follows standard grammar rules. The examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

HuffPost

2%

Opinion

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were settled" is a grammatically correct and very common passive construction used to describe a state of being established or positioned. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-formed and applicable in numerous scenarios. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and encyclopedias, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse audiences. When using "they were settled", ensure clarity in identifying the subject and consider whether an active voice might be more impactful. Alternative phrases like "they were established" or "they were located" offer similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were established

Focuses more on the act of founding or creating a stable entity.

they were located

Emphasizes the physical positioning of a group or entity.

they were situated

Similar to 'located' but often implies a more specific or strategic placement.

they were placed

Highlights the action of being put or assigned to a specific location or situation.

they were positioned

Suggests a deliberate arrangement or stance in a particular setting.

they were stationed

Implies a more temporary or assigned placement, often in a military or professional context.

they had taken root

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate the development of a strong and lasting presence.

they were installed

Suggests a formal or official placement in a role or position.

they were assigned

Implies that somebody/something was given a task or role, and then settled to accomplish it

they found a home

Uses a more casual expression to indicate a long-term or permanent settlement.

FAQs

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

Use "they were settled" to indicate that a group has established themselves in a location or situation. For example, "After the long journey, "they were settled" in their new home".

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

You can use alternatives like "they were established", "they were located", or "they were positioned" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they were settled"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It's a passive construction that indicates that a group or entity has been placed or established in a specific location or situation.

What's the difference between "they were settled" and "they settled"?

"They were settled" is passive, meaning someone or something settled them. "They settled" is active, meaning they themselves took action to settle somewhere. For instance, "They settled in the valley" means they chose to live there, while ""they were settled" in the valley" implies someone else put them there.