they were valued

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were valued" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone or something was appreciated or held in high regard in the past. Example: "In the company, employees were valued for their contributions and dedication to the team's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They were valued at $340m.

The Economist

At yesterday's closing price, they were valued at $333,000.

The New York Times

At the close yesterday they were valued at 91.5p.

The Guardian - Business

A year ago they were valued at 127p.

The Guardian - Business

Making the little people in Mexico and the favelas of Rio feel they were valued.

The Guardian - Books

They were valued by the company at $8 million before being sold to a private collector.

The New York Times

They were valued at $608 million, up 3percentt from 2006.

The New York Times

Less than four years ago, they were valued at more than £34.

The Guardian - Business

Global pension fund assets have grown 66% since 2000 when they were valued at $16tn.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They are valued by millions.

The Guardian

They're valued and they're great quality players".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical perspectives, use "they were valued" to indicate societal norms and priorities of the past. For instance, "In ancient Rome, orators were valued for their persuasive skills".

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive voice when using "they were valued". Active voice often adds clarity and impact, making your writing more engaging. Instead of "they were valued by the company", consider "the company valued them".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were valued" functions primarily as a passive construction, indicating that the subject received value or appreciation. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which validates its usability in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

23%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were valued" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that individuals, objects, or concepts were held in high regard. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media and scientific sources, it serves to express worth, importance, or appreciation. When writing, be mindful of using active voice where appropriate to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were appreciated

Emphasizes the feeling of gratitude or recognition received.

they were esteemed

Highlights a sense of high regard and respect.

they were cherished

Focuses on the emotional aspect of being deeply cared for.

they were prized

Stresses the high value and importance placed on something.

they were respected

Indicates that they were held in high esteem for their qualities or achievements.

they were held dear

Similar to cherished but can apply to abstract concepts or memories.

they were considered important

Directly states the significance attributed to them.

they were regarded highly

Indicates a positive assessment or opinion of them.

they were deemed worthy

Emphasizes the judgment of their value or merit.

their worth was recognized

Focuses on the acknowledgement of their inherent value.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they were valued" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "they were esteemed", "they were regarded highly", or "their worth was recognized".

What's the difference between "they were valued" and "they were appreciated"?

"They were valued" implies a judgment of worth or importance, while "they were appreciated" suggests gratitude and recognition. The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "they were valued by everyone"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, be mindful of potential hyperbole; consider if a more nuanced phrase like "they were widely valued" or "they were generally valued" might be more accurate.

What are some common contexts in which "they were valued" is used?

"They were valued" is often used in historical accounts, business reports, and personal reflections to describe the perceived worth or significance of people, objects, or ideas. You can also use alternatives such as "they were prized" or "they were cherished".