they were spotted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were spotted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone or something being seen or observed, often in a context where the act of seeing is noteworthy or significant. Example: "The rare bird was finally spotted in the forest after months of searching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Soon they were spotted.

The Guardian

They were spotted 10 minutes later and never seen again.

The New York Times - Science

"They were spotted by local people out hunting".

The New York Times

They were spotted leaving a bar in an unknown vehicle.

The Guardian

Finally, they were spotted as they passed a farmhouse.

The New York Times

Occasionally, they were spotted: unwashed, with matted hair, pissed, content.

The Guardian

Last week, they were spotted in Lafayette Square and on the Mall.

The Washington Post

Not long after, they were spotted among the ingredients on a bottle of Van Gogh gin.

The New York Times - Food

They were spotted by a United States Coast Guard helicopter and transported to the Bahamas.

The New York Times - Sports

They were spotted, dragged in by soldiers and raped in the courtyard.

The Times

It worked with Google to remove them as quickly as they were spotted.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were spotted" when you want to emphasize the act of observation, often implying a search or a degree of difficulty in finding the subject.

Common error

Avoid replacing the passive "they were spotted" with an active construction if the actor doing the spotting is unknown or unimportant. For example, don't force "Someone spotted them" if "they were spotted" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were spotted" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group or individuals were observed by an unspecified observer. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were spotted" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to indicate that a group or individuals were observed, often implying an element of discovery or surveillance. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread usage, especially in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral registers, and more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic writing. Common usage involves conveying the act of seeing, often highlighting a noteworthy observation. Be mindful of using the active voice when the observer is unknown or irrelevant to the sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were seen

Replaces "spotted" with a more general term for observation, reducing emphasis on active searching.

they were observed

A more formal and scientific alternative to "spotted", implying careful and deliberate observation.

they were noticed

Suggests a more casual or accidental observation, rather than a deliberate search.

they were detected

Implies the use of technology or special senses to find them, often used in technical contexts.

they were discovered

Suggests a finding that was previously unknown, adding a sense of novelty.

they were identified

Indicates that they were recognized or classified after being seen.

their presence was revealed

A more formal and indirect way of saying they were seen, often used in suspenseful contexts.

they came into view

Focuses on the act of becoming visible, rather than the act of someone seeing them.

they were caught on camera

Specifically indicates that their appearance was recorded by a camera.

they were recognized

Highlights the act of being known or identified upon being seen.

FAQs

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

The phrase "they were spotted" is used to indicate that a group or individuals were seen, often implying that their location was previously unknown or that the act of seeing them is significant. For instance, "they were spotted near the border" suggests their presence was noteworthy.

What's the difference between "they were spotted" and "they were seen"?

While both phrases indicate observation, "they were spotted" often implies a more active or deliberate search. "They were seen" is a more general observation, whereas "they were spotted" suggests finding something that wasn't easily visible or expected.

What are some alternatives to using "they were spotted"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "they were observed", "they were noticed", or "they were detected" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "they were spotted"?

The phrase "they were spotted" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. However, it may not be the most appropriate choice in formal or academic writing where a more precise or sophisticated term like "they were identified" or "they were detected" might be preferred.