were administered to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were administered to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something, such as medication or treatment, is given to someone or something. Example: "The vaccines were administered to all eligible participants in the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Restraints were administered to young women for talking back or mumbling under their breath.

The New York Times

Tests were administered to 4th, 8th and 11th graders in the spring.

The New York Times

Surveys were administered to facilitate data collection.

Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services

These questionnaires were administered to teachers and their students.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Sedatives were administered to 84%% of mechanically ventilated patients.

Annals of Intensive Care

300 questionnaires were administered to the hotel guests.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Structured questionnaires were administered to randomly selected respondents.

Pastoralism

Semi structured questionnaires were administered to 90 respondents.

International Journal of Food Contamination

Fluids were administered to prevent decreases in cardiac output.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Propofol and dexmedetomidine were administered to provide adequate sedation.

JA Clinical Reports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Questionnaires were administered to obtain study-relevant information from participants.

BMC Women's Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were administered to", ensure the subject receiving the action is clearly defined. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice constructions like "were administered to". While grammatically correct, excessive use can make your writing sound indirect and less engaging. Consider active voice alternatives where appropriate for a more direct and impactful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were administered to" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject received a particular action. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. It is frequently used to describe the application of treatments, tests, or substances to a recipient.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

77%

News & Media

19%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were administered to" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe the act of giving or applying something, especially in formal contexts like science and medicine. According to Ludwig AI, it is a valid and usable phrase. While it's suitable for reporting objective facts, overuse of the passive voice can make your writing less engaging. Consider using active voice alternatives for a more direct tone when appropriate. Alternatives include phrases like "were given to" and "were provided to". Understanding the nuances of this phrase and its alternatives will enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were given to

This alternative is a more straightforward and common way to express that something was provided or delivered to someone or something.

were provided to

This alternative emphasizes the act of supplying or furnishing something to someone or something.

were supplied to

This alternative highlights the act of furnishing or making something available to someone or something, often implying a regular or ongoing provision.

were dispensed to

This alternative suggests a controlled or measured distribution of something, often in the context of medication or resources.

were applied to

This alternative emphasizes the act of putting something onto or into something else, often in a practical or therapeutic sense.

were delivered to

This alternative focuses on the act of transporting or conveying something to a specific location or recipient.

were issued to

This alternative implies a formal or official distribution of something, often in the context of permits, licenses, or equipment.

were allocated to

This alternative suggests a specific assignment or distribution of resources, funds, or responsibilities to different entities or purposes.

were directed towards

This alternative emphasizes the focus or target of an action or resource, indicating where efforts or provisions were channeled.

were channeled to

This alternative stresses the guiding or directing of something towards a specific destination or purpose, often implying a controlled or deliberate process.

FAQs

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

"Were administered to" indicates that something was given or applied to a subject. For example, "The vaccines "were administered to" all participants in the study" or "Pain medication "were administered to" the patient after surgery".

What are some alternatives to "were administered to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "were given to", "were provided to", or "were applied to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "were administered to" (passive) is grammatically correct, active voice can often be more direct. For example, instead of "The medication "were administered to" the patients", you could say "The doctors administered the medication to the patients".

What is the difference between "were administered to" and "were given to"?

"Were administered to" often implies a formal or controlled delivery, especially in medical or official contexts. "Were given to" is a more general term and can be used in a wider range of situations.