trials were held

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trials were held" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing legal proceedings, scientific experiments, or any situation where trials or tests are conducted. Example: "After months of preparation, the trials were held to determine the effectiveness of the new drug."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Criminal trials were held late last year.

The New York Times

In Wisconsin, two high-profile trials were held this year; the plaintiffs lost them both.

The New York Times

And the Women's Olympic Team Trials were held there in 1964.

The New York Times

Over the following year many trials were held and many people imprisoned.

Britannica

At the end of the Second World War, thirteen trials were held in the Palace of Justice in Nuremberg, Germany.

The New Yorker

Last year more than a thousand dog shows, field trial and obedience trials were held under the aegis of AKC.

The New Yorker

"Under the shah, such trials were held in military courts, now they're held in revolutionary courts," he told the Guardian.

The Guardian

Their trials were held just the day before Secretary Powell met China's foreign minister, Tang Jiaxuan, in Hanoi on Wednesday.

The New York Times

A number of spy trials were held in secret at the Old Bailey during the second world war.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

On 27 and 28 September, the elimination trials for the Light Aircraft Trials were held.

Wikipedia

On 28 October the Light Aircraft Trials were held (see below).

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical events or legal procedures, use "trials were held" to clearly indicate that formal examinations or legal proceedings took place. Ensure the context provides sufficient information about the nature and purpose of these trials.

Common error

Avoid using "trials were held" when an active voice construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The court trials were held by the judge", a better phrasing is "The judge held the trials". This improves clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trials were held" functions as a passive construction indicating that trials, which are a type of event or process, were conducted or occurred. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a grammatically correct construction used to describe events in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trials were held" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to indicate that formal examinations or legal proceedings occurred. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a variety of contexts, from news reports to academic discussions. While primarily found in news and media sources, it also appears in academic writing and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and ensure that the level of formality aligns with the intended audience. Alternative phrases like "hearings took place" or "tests were conducted" can be used to adjust the tone or specificity of the statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hearings took place

Replaces "trials" with "hearings", focusing on the act of listening and investigating, suitable for formal inquiries.

proceedings occurred

Uses a more formal term, "proceedings", to describe a series of actions or events, often legal or official.

tests were conducted

Substitutes "trials" with "tests", appropriate in scientific or experimental contexts.

examinations were carried out

Replaces "trials" with "examinations", focusing on a detailed inspection or investigation.

assessments were undertaken

Uses "assessments" to emphasize evaluation and judgment, often in an academic or professional setting.

reviews were performed

Replaces "trials" with "reviews", highlighting the act of looking back and evaluating something.

investigations unfolded

Uses "investigations" to suggest a more in-depth and probing examination of a situation.

experiments were executed

Replaces "trials" with "experiments", specifically referring to scientific or methodical testing.

inquiries were initiated

Uses "inquiries" to denote a formal investigation into a matter.

sessions transpired

Substitutes "trials" with "sessions", focusing on a period dedicated to a specific activity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "trials were held" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can use phrases like "proceedings occurred" or "hearings took place". These options add a level of formality suitable for academic or legal contexts.

What's a less formal alternative to "trials were held"?

For less formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "tests were conducted" or "examinations were carried out". These phrases are more conversational and suitable for general discussions.

When is it appropriate to use "trials were held"?

"Trials were held" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that formal examinations, legal proceedings, or tests took place. It's commonly used in historical accounts, legal reports, and scientific literature.

What's the difference between "trials were held" and "trials took place"?

While both phrases are similar, "trials were held" implies a more formal and structured setting, often associated with legal or official procedures. "Trials took place" is a more general expression that can refer to any type of event or examination.