were alerted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were alerted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone or a group of people received a warning or notification about something. Example: "The authorities were alerted to the potential threat after receiving multiple reports from the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

News media were alerted.

The New York Times

The Laotians were alerted.

The New York Times

Federal authorities were alerted.

The Guardian

Eventually, the police were alerted.

The Guardian

Residents of about 30 houses were alerted for possible evacuation.

The New York Times

Security officials were alerted and the newsroom was evacuated.

The New York Times

We were alerted to this situation last summer.

The Guardian - Sport

Officers were alerted to the discovery by a tunnel worker.

The Guardian

Subscribers to 8coupons were alerted via a text message.

The New York Times - Tech

When they were alerted by Mission Control, Capt.

The New York Times

Physicians were alerted and Mr. Ben‐Gurion's children summoned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were alerted", ensure the context clearly indicates who received the alert and what they were alerted to. Specificity enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague sentences where it's unclear who provided the alert. Specify the source of the alert to maintain credibility and provide context. For example, instead of "They were alerted", use "The police were alerted by a neighbor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were alerted" functions as the passive voice of the verb "to alert". It indicates that someone or a group of people received a warning or notification about something. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were alerted" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that someone received a warning or notification. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's versatile and suitable for various writing contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal communications. The phrase carries a neutral register and is often followed by details specifying who was alerted and the nature of the alert. To enhance clarity, specify the source of the alert. Alternatives like "were notified" or "were informed" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were notified

Emphasizes the act of receiving official notification.

were informed

Highlights the act of receiving information.

were warned

Focuses on receiving a cautionary message.

were made aware

Emphasizes the process of becoming conscious of something.

were tipped off

Suggests receiving a secret or informal warning.

were apprised

Implies a formal communication of information.

received an alert

Highlights the reception of a specific warning signal.

were cautioned

Emphasizes receiving advice or warnings about potential dangers.

had been forewarned

Highlights a prior warning about something.

were put on notice

Implies a formal warning or official communication of impending action.

FAQs

What is the difference between "were alerted" and "were notified"?

"Were alerted" generally implies a sense of urgency or potential danger, while "were notified" is a more neutral term for simply receiving information. Both can be used to indicate that someone received information, but the connotation differs.

When should I use "were alerted" instead of "were informed"?

Use "were alerted" when the information received is a warning or signals a need for immediate attention or action. Use "were informed" when the information is more general and doesn't necessarily imply urgency.

What are some alternatives to "were alerted" in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can use alternatives like "were apprised", "were notified", or "were made aware" to maintain a professional tone.

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

You can use "were alerted" by specifying who received the alert and what they were alerted to. For example, "The residents were alerted to the flood warning" or "Security personnel were alerted when the alarm sounded".