they were touched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were touched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone was emotionally affected or moved by something. Example: "After hearing the heartfelt speech, they were touched by the speaker's sincerity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

They were touched, but they weren't satisfied.

The New Yorker

They were thought to have more significance because they were touched by the Sun.

Harvard University

Six women claimed staff had made sexual suggestions and three alleged they were touched sexually.

Independent

SAN JOSÉ MINE, Chile — Some of the miners rescued here said they were touched by God.

The New York Times

"But if they were touched at some later time, that tells a different story". he said.

The New York Times

Everything came off for them and they played as if they were touched by angels".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

They were touching, because they were made to be touched.

The Guardian

"They were touching or they were caring," Ms. Elan said.

The New York Times

They were touching me all over.

The Guardian

The vibrations fooled fingers into believing they were touching a textured surface, said the Disney researchers.

BBC

They were touching.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "they were touched" to convey a sense of emotional impact or gratitude, ensuring the context clearly indicates whether you mean this figuratively or literally.

Common error

Be mindful of the double meaning; "they were touched" can imply emotional impact or unwanted physical contact. Ensure the surrounding text clarifies your intended meaning to avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were touched" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (they) received the action of being touched, either physically or emotionally. Ludwig shows numerous examples confirming its use in both literal and figurative senses.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were touched" is a common and grammatically sound expression used primarily to denote either an emotional impact or, less frequently, a physical interaction. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity. Given its dual meaning, clarity is paramount. Primarily found in News & Media sources but also present in Science and Formal contexts, it's vital to ensure the context clarifies whether emotional influence, gratitude or physical contact is intended. When writing, be aware of the potential for misinterpretation and opt for alternatives such as "they were moved" or specific verbs like "caressed" if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were moved

Focuses specifically on the emotional impact, rather than any literal physical touch.

they were affected

A more general term indicating an influence or impact, which can be emotional or otherwise.

they felt touched

Emphasizes the subjective feeling of being moved by something.

they were impressed

Highlights a feeling of admiration or respect, often in response to something positive.

they were inspired

Indicates that they experienced a creative or motivational impulse.

they were stimulated

Signifies that something caused a response or increased activity, whether physical or mental.

they were caressed

Specifically refers to a gentle, affectionate touch.

they were fondled

Suggests a more intimate or potentially unwanted physical touch.

they were groped

Implies a forceful or inappropriate physical touch.

they experienced

A general-purpose replacement that can refer to positive or negative experiences. It's often found in medical or scientific context.

FAQs

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

Use "they were touched" to describe a feeling of emotion or gratitude. For example, "They were touched by the outpouring of support from the community".

What's the difference between "they were touched" and "they were moved"?

While similar, "they were touched" often implies a gentler, more heartfelt emotion, whereas "they were moved" can indicate a stronger emotional response.

What can I say instead of "they were touched" to describe a physical interaction?

To describe a physical interaction, consider alternatives like "they were caressed", "they were handled", or, depending on the context, potentially more direct terms like "they were groped" or "they were molested".

Is it always appropriate to use "they were touched"?

No, the appropriateness depends on the context. If you are discussing sensitive topics like abuse, consider using more direct and specific language to avoid ambiguity and potential harm. In cases where an emotional experience is described, it's perfectly appropriate.