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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
were administered
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "were administered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something, such as a treatment or test, was given or provided to someone in the past. Example: "The vaccines were administered to all eligible participants during the trial."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(20)
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
Doses were administered by nurses.
News & Media
All drugs were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.).
Science & Research
Not all rebukes were administered from the left.
News & Media
The 20 lashes were administered in the public court.
News & Media
Both drugs were administered orally for 8 weeks.
Science & Research
The tasks were administered in about 10 minutes.
Science & Research
Questionnaires were administered physically.
These drugs were administered intravenously.
Science
Analgesics were administered as required.
No other fluids were administered.
Science
No immunosuppressive agents were administered.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "were administered", ensure the subject receiving the action is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify who received the medication or survey.
Common error
Avoid using "were administered" with a singular subject. Ensure the subject is plural to maintain grammatical correctness. For example, it should be "the tests were administered", not "the test were administered".
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "were administered" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that an action was performed on a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound. This is evident in examples like "Doses were administered by nurses."
Frequent in
Science
70%
News & Media
15%
Academia
15%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "were administered" is a passive verb phrase commonly used in scientific, academic, and news contexts to describe the act of giving or applying something in a formal or controlled manner. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. While alternatives like "were given" exist, "were administered" often conveys a higher degree of precision and formality. When using this phrase, ensure correct subject-verb agreement and clearly define the recipient of the action. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like Nature and The Guardian underscores its reliability in formal writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
were given
This alternative uses a simpler verb, "given", instead of "administered", making it less formal.
were provided
This alternative focuses on the action of supplying or making something available, similar to administering.
were applied
This alternative suggests a more direct or practical action of putting something into effect or use.
were dispensed
This alternative implies a careful or controlled distribution of something, often medicine or treatment.
were executed
This alternative conveys a more formal or official performance or carrying out of a task or procedure.
were implemented
This alternative emphasizes the putting into practice of a plan, system, or policy.
were conducted
This alternative highlights the carrying out of a process or activity, especially in a systematic way.
were supplied
This alternative stresses the provision of what is needed or wanted.
were offered
This alternative suggests the act of presenting something for acceptance or rejection.
were facilitated
This alternative implies making something easier or more likely to happen.
FAQs
What does "were administered" mean?
The phrase "were administered" means that something was given or applied, often in a formal or controlled manner. For example, medications, tests, or surveys can be "were administered" to individuals or groups.
How can I use "were administered" in a sentence?
You can use "were administered" to describe the action of providing or giving something, typically in a formal context. For instance, "The vaccines "were given" to all participants" or "The questionnaires "were distributed" before the session".
What are some alternatives to "were administered"?
Alternatives to "were administered" include phrases like "were given", "were provided", or "were applied", depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.
Is it better to use "were administered" or "were given"?
The choice between "were administered" and "were given" depends on the context. "Were administered" is generally more formal and suggests a controlled or official process, while "were given" is simpler and more general. For example, "The oath "was administered"" sounds more formal than "The oath "was given"".
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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