they were traded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were traded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the exchange of goods, services, or individuals, such as in sports or economics. Example: "In the last season, several players were traded to different teams, changing the dynamics of the league."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

At least Nolan Ryan and Amos Otis were young when they were traded.

The New York Times - Sports

"We had them for a long time, but they were traded away.

The New York Times - Sports

Both players were miffed when they were traded from the Knicks.

The New York Times - Sports

The remaining six were locked up until March 1863, when they were traded as part of a prisoner exchange.

The New York Times

They then transported the slaves to the Americas, where they were traded for sugar, tobacco or cotton.

The Guardian

Kidd and Marbury have savored victory on their own court in the four meetings since they were traded.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

On Thursday, they were trading at $44.56.

The New York Times

Soon they were trading ideas for the new show.

The New York Times - Arts

This week they were trading even lower, at $181.

The New York Times

Post-Brexit they were trading at 90 pence to the euro.

The Guardian - Business

They were trading 5.9percentt lower in London at 0.024 euros.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were traded", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify who or what was traded, and the context of the trade.

Common error

Avoid using "they were traded" without specifying by whom or for what. Passive voice can obscure agency, so ensure it doesn't unintentionally mislead or omit important information. For example, instead of "they were traded", use "they were traded by the team for a draft pick".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were traded" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group or set of entities underwent the action of being exchanged or bartered. It emphasizes the objects of the trade rather than the agent performing the trade. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples where this phrase is used to describe such exchanges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

14%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were traded" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to describe an exchange or transfer of entities. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's commonly found in news and media, wiki articles, and scientific publications, indicating its broad applicability. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the subject and the context of the trade are well-defined to avoid ambiguity. By considering these nuances, writers can effectively use "they were traded" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they got exchanged

Replaces "traded" with "exchanged", emphasizing a mutual giving and receiving.

they were transferred

Emphasizes the movement from one entity to another.

they were swapped

Uses "swapped" as a more informal synonym for "traded".

they were dealt

Implies a formal or strategic exchange, common in contexts like card games or negotiations.

they were bartered

Suggests an exchange of goods or services without using money.

they were sold

Focuses on a transaction involving money.

they were auctioned

Highlights a public sale where items are sold to the highest bidder.

they were ceded

Suggests a formal relinquishing or handing over, often in a political or territorial context.

they were displaced

Emphasizes the removal of something from its original position.

an exchange occurred involving them

A more verbose rephrasing that still captures the sense of something being traded.

FAQs

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

Use "they were traded" to describe a situation where items or people were exchanged, especially in business or sports contexts. For example: "The players "they were traded" during the off-season."

What can I say instead of "they were traded"?

You can use alternatives like "they were exchanged", "they were swapped", or "they were transferred" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they were traded"?

Yes, "they were traded" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something or someone was exchanged for something else.

What's the difference between "they were traded" and "they traded"?

"They traded" indicates an active exchange where the subject performed the trading action. "They were traded" is passive, indicating that the subject was the recipient of the trading action. For example: "They traded players" vs. "They were traded to another team."