they were transported

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were transported" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of moving people or goods from one place to another, often in a formal or narrative context. Example: "After the accident, they were transported to the nearest hospital for treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were transported.

The New York Times - Style

They were transported all right.

The Guardian - Film

From there, they were transported inland to the internment camps.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Obsidian tools were continuously resharpened and rejuvenated as they were transported across the landscape.

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports

Shakespeare used certain very simple words that any idiot can use and suddenly they were transported.

The Guardian - Music

They were transported to two separate elementary schools for the day.

The New York Times

Tells who they belong to and how they were transported to the Club.

The New Yorker

He said they were transported to the cemetery by donated buses.

The New York Times

They were transported in covered pet transport cages on a commercial airline from Copenhagen to Seville.

Nature

After filming they were transported to Auschwitz, where most were murdered.

The Guardian

Some of the injured were wounded further as they were transported out.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "they were transported" when you want to emphasize the process of moving people or objects from one location to another, especially when the method of transportation is relevant or noteworthy.

Common error

While "they were transported" is grammatically sound, overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound indirect. Consider using the active voice when appropriate: 'The buses transported them' is more direct than 'They were transported by the buses'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were transported" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group or set of entities underwent the action of being moved or conveyed. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were transported" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression for describing the movement of individuals or objects from one place to another. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is commonly found in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While the phrase is generally acceptable, writers should be mindful of potential overuse of the passive voice and consider using active voice constructions where appropriate for more direct and impactful writing. Alternatives like "they were moved" or "they were conveyed" may be suitable depending on the desired nuance and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were moved

This alternative is a more general term for changing location without specifying the mode of transportation.

they were conveyed

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of carrying something or someone.

they were taken

This is a simpler and less formal way of saying that someone moved them.

they were transferred

This alternative suggests a shift from one place or position to another, often within an organization or system.

they were relocated

This alternative emphasizes a permanent change of location.

they were carried

This alternative emphasizes the physical act of carrying something or someone.

they were shipped

This alternative specifically refers to transportation of goods or items, not people.

they were evacuated

This alternative suggests being moved to safety, typically due to an emergency.

they were dispatched

This alternative implies being sent to a specific location for a particular purpose.

they were escorted

This alternative emphasizes that they were accompanied during the transportation.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were transported" to describe the movement of people or objects from one place to another. For example, "After the accident, they were transported to the nearest hospital."

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

You can use alternatives like "they were moved", "they were conveyed", or "they were taken" depending on the context.

Is "they were transported" formal or informal?

The phrase "they were transported" is generally considered neutral to formal. While usable in many contexts, alternatives may be more suitable for informal speech. Consider also the context when using the phrase.

What's the difference between "they were transported" and "they traveled"?

"They were transported" implies that someone or something facilitated the movement, whereas "they traveled" simply means that they moved from one place to another. For example: "They traveled to Europe" vs "They were transported to the hospital".