were added to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were added to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of including or incorporating something into a larger group or collection. Example: "New features were added to the software update to enhance user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fines were added to floggings.

The Guardian

Vocals were added to some.

The New Yorker

Shades were added to others.

The New York Times - Arts

Veneers were added to achieve movement.

Seminars in Orthodontics

Hydrogen atoms were added to each protein.

Nature

Wraps were added to the sandwich selection.

The New York Times

Colored pencils were added to Wölfli's tools.

The New Yorker

Recently, bears were added to that list.

The New York Times - Travel

No parts or accessories were added to the truck.

Cornell University

208 new titles were added to the library last month.

Harvard University

189 new titles were added to the library last month.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were added to" in passive voice constructions when you want to emphasize the object being acted upon rather than the actor.

Common error

Avoid replacing the passive construction "were added to" with an active voice construction if the subject performing the action is unknown or unimportant. For example, instead of "Someone added features to the software," use "Features "were added to" the software."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were added to" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something has been included or incorporated into something else. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a standard grammatical construct, and the examples show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were added to" is a grammatically sound and very common passive voice construction used to describe the inclusion of something into a larger whole. Ludwig AI analysis supports this, showing frequent use across science, news, and academic domains. When writing, remember that "were added to" is best used when the actor is unknown or unimportant, and the emphasis is on the object being modified. Consider alternatives such as "were included in" or "were incorporated into" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were incorporated into

Suggests a more thorough integration, becoming a part of the whole.

were included in

A general term for being part of a set or group.

were appended to

Implies attaching something as a supplement, often at the end.

were attached to

Indicates a physical or abstract connection.

were connected to

Indicates a relationship or association.

were supplemented with

Highlights the addition of something to enhance or complete.

were coupled with

Suggests a combination or association of two things.

were joined to

Emphasizes the act of connecting or uniting.

were affixed to

Suggests firmly attaching something.

were tagged onto

Implies adding something, often as an afterthought or in a casual manner.

FAQs

How can I use "were added to" in a sentence?

The phrase "were added to" indicates that certain items or elements have been incorporated into a larger group or structure. For example, "New features "were added to" the software update."

What are some alternatives to "were added to"?

Alternatives include "were included in", "were incorporated into", or "were appended to", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "were added to"?

The phrase "were added to" is inherently passive. Use it when you want to emphasize the recipient of the action rather than the actor. If the actor is important, rephrase the sentence in the active voice.

What's the difference between "were added to" and "were included in"?

"Were added to" implies a process of appending or incorporating, while ""were included in"" simply means being part of a larger set. Adding suggests a change, inclusion suggests a state.