they were tested

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were tested" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a past event or action that occurred to the subject. For example: "After studying for weeks, they were finally tested on all of the material they had learned." In this example, the phrase is used to show that the subjects went through a testing process after putting in a lot of effort and preparation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

God knows they were tested.

The New York Times

Then they were tested for sustained attention.

The New York Times - Science

After an additional 30-minute cool down, they were tested once more.

The New York Times

When they were tested later on, they were outperforming other children across the curriculum.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fourth, they were tested on their recall of the memorized items.

The New York Times - Health

When they were tested, these samples, too, were way out of line.

The New Yorker

Both say they were tested for H.I.V. a year ago and were negative.

The New York Times

They were tested six months after they received the same coated stent used in Brazil.

The New York Times - Health

None of the people involved in the study had been taking medication for high blood pressure when they were tested.

The New York Times - Health

After a break of 30 to 45 minutes, they were tested on their ability to recall the pictures.

The New York Times - Health

They were tested for HIV every six months, and counselled on how to avoid it for the next three years.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were tested", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific attribute or skill was being evaluated. For example, "They were tested for HIV" or "They were tested on their knowledge of the subject."

Common error

Avoid using "they were tested" without specifying who "they" refers to or what the test involved. This can lead to confusion and ambiguity. Always provide clear context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were tested" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group of individuals or items underwent a process of evaluation or examination. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were tested" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction indicating that a group underwent some form of evaluation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable across various contexts, particularly in news and scientific reporting. For clarity, it's important to specify who "they" refers to and the nature of the testing. Alternatives like "they were evaluated" or "they underwent testing" can be used depending on the desired nuance. The phrase's widespread use and varied applications make it a valuable part of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they underwent testing

Replaces "were tested" with a more formal verb phrase, "underwent testing."

they were evaluated

Substitutes "tested" with "evaluated", emphasizing assessment rather than a specific test.

they were examined

Replaces "tested" with "examined", suggesting a closer, more detailed inspection.

they were assessed

Uses "assessed" in place of "tested", focusing on the measurement of their abilities or qualities.

testing was conducted on them

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the action of testing rather than the subject.

they were checked

Replaces "tested" with "checked", implying a simpler, less rigorous form of examination.

they were put through a test

More explicitly states that they experienced a test.

their abilities were tested

Specifies that it was their abilities specifically that were tested.

they faced a test

Emphasizes the challenge aspect of being tested.

experiments were performed on them

Suggests more scientific, experimental testing.

FAQs

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

The phrase "they were tested" is used to indicate that a group of subjects underwent a process of evaluation or examination. For example, "After the training, "they were tested" on their new skills".

What are some alternatives to saying "they were tested"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "they were evaluated", "they were assessed", or "they underwent testing".

Is it necessary to specify what "they" were tested for?

Clarity is key. It's best to specify what "they" refers to and the purpose or subject of the test. For instance, instead of saying ""they were tested"", say "they were tested for their knowledge of algebra".

What is the difference between "they were tested" and "they are being tested"?

"They were tested" indicates a completed action in the past, while "they are being tested" implies an ongoing action in the present. The former suggests the testing process is finished, whereas the latter suggests it is currently happening.