they were supported

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were supported" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing assistance or backing received by individuals or groups in various contexts, such as projects, initiatives, or personal situations. Example: "In their efforts to improve community health, they were supported by local organizations and volunteers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They were supported by a really great supporting cast.

Los Angeles Times

They were supported by their teams.

The Guardian - Sport

Worse again, he adds, they were supported by India.

The Guardian

They were supported by Lady Bird Johnson, the president's widow.

The New York Times - Arts

At one memorable show at the London Venue, they were supported by the young U2.

The Guardian - Music

They were supported in the Supreme Court by several pharmacy trade associations.

The New York Times

And those that caused death and destruction in Africa were called liberators -- and they were supported.

The New York Times

As unqualified teachers, they were supported by an experienced mentor who was qualified to teach.

The Guardian

They were supported by a sparkling quartet (Faye Arthurs, Aesha Ash, Melissa Barak and Glenn Keenan).

The New York Times

They were supported by legal aid until such time as the Home Office admitted liability.

The Guardian

They were supported by mounted police also wielding truncheons, and by police with dogs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were supported", ensure that the source or means of support is clearly identified for clarity. For example: "They were supported by the local community through fundraising efforts."

Common error

Avoid omitting the 'by' phrase when specifying who or what provided the support. Saying "They were supported" without indicating who provided the support leaves the sentence incomplete and unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were supported" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a group or entity received assistance or backing from an external source. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct. The provided examples illustrate its use across various contexts, emphasizing the recipient of the support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

24%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were supported" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that communicates the receipt of assistance or backing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is suitable for various contexts, with prevalence in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the source of support. Alternatives like "they received backing" or "they were aided" can be used to add nuance. The prevalence of this expression across diverse sources underlines its versatility and importance in conveying the concept of support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they received backing

Focuses on the act of receiving support, emphasizing the passive role of the recipients.

they were aided

A more formal and direct way of saying they received help.

they had assistance

Highlights the help received, particularly when practical aid is given.

they obtained help

A general term for receiving assistance of any kind.

they gained encouragement

Emphasizes the moral or emotional support provided, rather than practical aid.

they were endorsed

Implies official approval or public support, often for a cause or campaign.

they found sponsorship

Suggests financial or material backing, typically from an organization.

they were reinforced

Focuses on strengthening or bolstering their position or efforts.

they were upheld

Suggests that they were defended or maintained, rather than simply assisted.

they enjoyed patronage

Indicates support, often financial, from influential individuals.

FAQs

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

Use "they were supported" to indicate that a group or individuals received assistance or backing. For example, "In their efforts to improve community health, "they were supported" by local organizations and volunteers".

What are some alternatives to "they were supported"?

You can use alternatives like "they received backing", "they had assistance", or "they were aided" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "they were supported" and "they were helping"?

"They were supported" indicates that a group received assistance, while "they were helping" indicates that the group provided assistance. The phrases have opposite meanings; "supported" is passive, while "helping" is active.

Is it always necessary to specify who provided the support when using "they were supported"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying who provided the support clarifies the sentence and provides additional context. Omitting this information can leave the reader wondering who or what provided the support. You should specify the agent when you can, or it is important for the reader to know. When this is not possible, using the passive form is the right decision.