they were withdrawn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were withdrawn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is emotionally distant, shy, or not engaging with others. Example: "After the incident, they were withdrawn and preferred to spend time alone rather than with friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were withdrawn by the United Nations, not expelled by Saddam Hussein.

The New York Times

They were withdrawn in advance of American bombing strikes in 1998, and not permitted to return until 2002.

The New York Times

Some former US officials in Afghanistan argue that they were withdrawn during an important stage of their missions.

The Guardian

"They were withdrawn yesterday after a serious misunderstanding about their role, leading to their temporary detention," he added.

The New York Times

Shortly after his bone was set, Louisville began hawking shirts referring to him (they were withdrawn when uproar ensued).

The Economist

Neither the American nor the French contingents on Russian soil engaged in combat, and they were withdrawn after the Armistice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But he said that in many cases protests were dropped before a conclusion was reached, either because they were withdrawn or were addressed by the contracting agency.

The New York Times

British troops did indeed face unrelenting attacks until they were forced out in 2009, as did US regular troops until they were withdrawn in 2011.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was soon apparent the ads were only a feint at activism; they were withdrawn, and the image of Tiger Woods was retooled along more sales-friendly lines.

The New York Times - Sports

In 2006 Norwich Union, now Aviva, launched two policies using black box technology, but they were withdrawn within two years because of low take-up.

The Guardian - Money

UN troops remained until 1964, but as soon as they were withdrawn rebellion returned, and Mobutu seized control in a military coup d'état in 1965.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were withdrawn" to clearly indicate a removal or retraction, whether it's physical, political, or figurative. This phrase is suitable when specifying the action of withdrawal is more important than the reason behind it.

Common error

Avoid using "they were withdrawn" when a more specific term like 'retreated', 'recalled', or 'removed' would provide clearer context. For example, in a military context, 'retreated' would be more appropriate than the more general 'withdrawn'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were withdrawn" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group or entity was subjected to the action of being removed or taken back. This construction emphasizes the state of the subject rather than the actor performing the withdrawal. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were withdrawn" is a versatile and commonly used passive construction that effectively communicates the removal or retraction of a group or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for diverse contexts. Its prevalence in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific literature underscores its broad applicability and neutral tone. When using this phrase, be mindful of choosing more specific alternatives when greater clarity is needed, and ensure proper subject-verb agreement. By paying attention to these nuances, writers can leverage the effectiveness of "they were withdrawn" to convey meaning with precision and confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were pulled back

Focuses on the action of being physically pulled back.

they were taken out

Emphasizes the removal aspect, suggesting an external agent caused the withdrawal.

they were recalled

Implies a formal command or order to return.

they were retreated

Specifically indicates a strategic military maneuver of moving back.

they were decommissioned

Refers to taking something out of service, usually a military asset.

they were extracted

Suggests a careful and deliberate removal, often from a dangerous situation.

they were displaced

Indicates a forced removal from a place or position.

they were ousted

Implies a forceful removal, often from a position of power.

they were relieved

Suggests a substitution or replacement.

they were discharged

Emphasizes the act of being released or dismissed.

FAQs

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

The phrase "they were withdrawn" indicates a removal or retraction. For example, "The troops /s/were+withdrawn from the border" or "The product /s/was+withdrawn from the market".

What's the difference between "they were withdrawn" and "they retreated"?

"They were withdrawn" is a general term for removal. "They retreated" specifically refers to a military maneuver, often indicating a strategic withdrawal from an enemy.

Which is correct: "they were withdrawn" or "they was withdrawn"?

"They were withdrawn" is correct. "They" is plural, so it requires the plural verb "were". "They was withdrawn" is grammatically incorrect.

What can I say instead of "they were withdrawn" in a formal context?

In a formal context, consider alternatives like "they were recalled", "they were decommissioned", or "they were extracted" depending on the specific situation and the nuance you want to convey. See other similar terms in "related phrases".