they were stationed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were stationed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the location or position of individuals, often in a military or organizational context. Example: "During the conflict, they were stationed at the front lines to provide support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 1917 they were stationed near Poperinge, a Belgian municipality situated on the French border.

Columbia University

The two retired colonels said things were no less tense where they were stationed.

The New York Times

But even before they were stationed, there were others who came by helicopter.

Independent

Now, however, they were stationed in the country's sere north to fight Boko Haram.

The New York Times - Magazine

They were stationed in a rural base near the river where the outbreak first started.

The Guardian

After they had introduced themselves, she asked where they were stationed.

The New Yorker

"They were stationed here in Mineola, and they were here every day.

The New York Times

She worked as an illustrator at the Air Base in Amarillo, Texas while they were stationed there.

The New York Times

Roth writes: And now they were stationed on every second street corner, our neighborhood's handful of flops..

The New Yorker

They added that a diplomat was not precluded from holding investments in a country they were stationed in.

The Guardian

Bad luck beset them for in every place where they were stationed it was so cloudy no good pictures were obtained.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were stationed", ensure the context clearly indicates who "they" refers to and the specific location or area where they were positioned.

Common error

Avoid using "they were stationed" without a clear antecedent for "they". Ensure the reader knows exactly who is being referred to, otherwise the sentence becomes confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were stationed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating the location or placement of a group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were stationed" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate where a group of people were assigned or located, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently used in news, academic writing, and general contexts. While alternatives like "they were based" or "they were assigned" exist, "they were stationed" specifically implies a more official or structured placement. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in pronoun reference to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were based

Focuses on a primary location of operation or residence, emphasizing a hub or center.

they were assigned

Highlights the act of being given a specific task or location by an authority.

they were deployed

Implies a strategic movement and placement, often in a military context.

they were positioned

Emphasizes the physical placement of individuals, often for a specific purpose.

they were located

Simply states the geographical position without necessarily implying assignment.

they were posted

Similar to 'stationed' but can sometimes imply a more temporary or official assignment.

they were garrisoned

Specifically refers to being stationed for military defense or occupation.

they were quartered

Refers to the provision of lodging or accommodation, often in a military context.

they were detailed

Indicates a specific task or duty assigned to individuals, potentially at a certain location.

they were operating from

Focuses on the location from which actions or activities are conducted.

FAQs

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

Use "they were stationed" to indicate the location where a group of people, typically military personnel or employees, were assigned to work or reside. For example, "they were stationed at the military base during the war".

What are some alternatives to "they were stationed"?

You can use alternatives like "they were based", "they were assigned", or "they were deployed" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "they were stationed" in formal writing?

Yes, "they were stationed" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing military assignments or official deployments. However, consider the tone and choose the most precise term for the situation.

What is the difference between "they were stationed" and "they were located"?

"They were stationed" implies an assignment or duty at a specific place, whereas "they were located" simply indicates their geographical position without necessarily implying a task or assignment. So, "they were located" has more general and broader usage than "they were stationed".