were accumulated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were accumulated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of gathering or collecting items or data over time, often in a passive construction. Example: "Over the years, a significant amount of data were accumulated from various research studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its dollar surpluses were accumulated more by accident than design.

The Economist

The first is that Iraq's debts are invalid because they were accumulated under Saddam Hussein's regime.

The New York Times

However this summer more data were accumulated, and physicists, being experts, respect data.

The Guardian

Most of the dodgy assets that led to $64 billion of write-offs in 2008 were accumulated under Mr. Prince.

The New York Times

The funds that were accumulated during the good years are about to run out.

The New York Times

A total of 10 scans were accumulated.

Chemistry Central Journal

All the data were accumulated retrospectively.

EJNMMI Research

Ions were accumulated for 0.01 s in a hexapole.

Petroleum Science

One hundred scans were accumulated for each resultant spectrum.

Earth, Planets and Space

Fig. 6 The advantage genotypes of S5, qS12 and Ghd8 were accumulated in the top 10 lines and the disadvantage genotypes were accumulated in the bottom 10 lines.

Rice

Spectra were accumulated until a satisfactory S/N had been obtained.

AMB Express

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were accumulated" when emphasizing the gradual process of gathering or collecting something over time, particularly in a scientific or formal context.

Common error

Avoid using "were accumulated" in active voice constructions. The phrase is typically used in passive voice to emphasize the object being accumulated rather than the actor performing the accumulation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were accumulated" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes a state where something has been gradually gathered or collected over time. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were accumulated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig. It primarily functions to describe the gradual gathering or collection of something over time, often in scientific and formal contexts. While versatile, it is crucial to use it passively to maintain grammatical correctness. Consider alternatives like "were gathered" or "were collected" depending on the context. The phrase is highly prevalent in scientific literature, with noticeable presence in news media, reflecting its diverse applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were gathered

Uses a more general term for collecting, implying a less deliberate or organized collection.

were collected

Similar to 'gathered', but suggests a more intentional and systematic process of bringing things together.

were amassed

Implies a large quantity was accumulated, often with a sense of impressive scale.

were compiled

Suggests a systematic gathering of information or data, often for a specific purpose.

were aggregated

Implies combining different items into a group, often for statistical or analytical purposes.

were built up

Focuses on the gradual increase in quantity or size over time.

were accrued

Suggests accumulation over time, often in a financial or legal context.

were stockpiled

Implies accumulating a large quantity of something for future use, often in anticipation of a shortage.

were hoarded

Suggests secretive accumulation, often with a negative connotation of unwillingness to share.

were stored

Simply indicates something was placed in a location for safekeeping or later retrieval.

FAQs

How can I use "were accumulated" in a sentence?

The phrase "were accumulated" is typically used in the passive voice to describe a gradual collection or gathering. For instance, "The research data "were accumulated" over several years."

What are some alternatives to using "were accumulated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "were gathered", "were collected", or "were amassed" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "accumulated were" instead of "were accumulated"?

No, the correct word order is "were accumulated". "Accumulated were" is grammatically incorrect in standard English.

What is the difference between "were accumulated" and "were collected"?

While both phrases imply gathering, "were accumulated" often suggests a more gradual process over time, whereas "were collected" can imply a more deliberate and immediate gathering.