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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
were accrued
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "were accrued" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to finance, accounting, or any situation where something has been accumulated over time, such as interest or benefits. Example: "The interest on the loan was calculated based on the amount that were accrued over the past year."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
The bank had already agreed to refund customers for fees that were accrued on the unauthorized accounts.
News & Media
Ten patients were accrued to the phase I portion, which utilized an accelerated titration design.
In the first-line setting, ten patients were accrued, and there was no evidence of objective response.
Science
By the end of mid-September 2012, a total of 7174 patient-years of follow-up were accrued.
Science
Phase I had 4 dose cohorts (.8, 1, 1.3, and 1.5 mg/m2) and 3 patients were accrued to each.
CRC patients and unaffected controls from Ontario and Newfoundland were accrued as described previously [8], [12].
Science
Twenty patients were accrued.
Science
35 patients were accrued.
Science
In all, 16 patients were accrued.
Science
A total of 39 patients were accrued.
Science
Eligible patients were unselected and were accrued consecutively.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "were accrued" in financial contexts, ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being accumulated, such as "interest", "expenses", or "benefits".
Common error
Avoid using "were accrued" without a clear understanding of what entity performed the accrual. In passive voice, the actor is often omitted, but the sentence should still imply who or what caused the accrual. Specify what was accumulated and, if necessary, who or what caused the accumulation.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "were accrued" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something (like costs, benefits, or interest) has been accumulated or incurred over a period. Ludwig provides examples of its use in contexts ranging from financial reporting to scientific studies.
Frequent in
Science
85%
News & Media
10%
Formal & Business
5%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "were accrued" is a grammatically sound passive verb phrase commonly employed to describe the accumulation or gradual increase of something, especially in formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and frequently appears in scientific and business domains. While simpler alternatives like "were accumulated" exist, "were accrued" conveys a more specific sense of accrual over time. This usage is observed across a range of authoritative sources, particularly in scientific research, and the phrase is therefore best suited for professional or technical writing where precision is key.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
have been accumulated
Passive voice, emphasizing the state of being gathered rather than the action.
have accumulated
Replaces "were accrued" with a more general term for gathering or amassing.
have been incurred
Specifically used in the context of costs or expenses.
have accumulated over time
Explicitly mentions the element of time in the accumulation process.
had built up
Implies a gradual increase or development.
have arisen
Suggests the emergence of something as a result of accumulation.
have grown
Implies a natural process of increasing over time.
have resulted
Focuses on the outcome or consequence of an accrual process.
have materialized
Emphasizes the tangible or concrete nature of what has been accrued.
have come into existence
More formal way of saying something has been created or gathered.
FAQs
How is "were accrued" used in financial statements?
In financial statements, "were accrued" indicates that expenses or revenues have been recognized even though cash hasn't changed hands yet. For example, "interest expenses "were accrued" at the end of the quarter" means the company owes interest, even if they haven't paid it yet.
What's a common mistake when using "were accrued"?
A common mistake is using "were accrued" without a clear subject. It should be evident what specific item or quantity "were accrued", such as "benefits", "costs", or "liabilities".
Can I replace "were accrued" with "were accumulated"?
Yes, in many cases, "were accumulated" is a suitable alternative. However, "were accrued" often carries a more specific implication of gradual increase or recognition over time, particularly in financial or accounting contexts. Consider if "were accumulated" fits the specific meaning you intend.
Is it appropriate to use "were accrued" in informal writing?
While grammatically correct, "were accrued" is more common in formal or technical writing, especially related to finance or research. In informal contexts, simpler terms like "were accumulated" or "built up" might be more appropriate. Use what best communicates your intent to your audience.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested