were approached by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were approached by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone or a group was contacted or solicited by another party. Example: "The researchers were approached by several companies interested in their findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We were approached by a car.

The Guardian

We were approached by Toronto with this deal.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were approached by a lot of major distilleries," Isler says.

Columbia University

In most cases, potential candidates were approached by Mr. Barrett or their Republican county leaders.

The New York Times

Soon after their release, several were approached by snakeheads demanding the balance of their fees.

The New Yorker

That's when they were approached by an elderly white woman who had also been shopping.

The Washington Post

The substituted 2-amino-4,5-dihydrothiazoles were approached by two routes.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

As we came to the end, we scuttled off stage and were approached by the landlord.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Despite that, we never were approached by another company for a domestic distribution deal again".

The New York Times

NT: We were approached by Southwark Local Authority (LA) in 2005.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They've been approached by potential managers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were approached by", ensure the subject clearly identifies who was contacted and the object specifies who initiated the contact. This clarifies the direction of the interaction and enhances readability.

Common error

Avoid using "was approached by" when referring to a plural subject. Ensure subject-verb agreement by using "were approached by" for plural subjects and "was approached by" for singular subjects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were approached by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject received an action (being approached) from an unspecified actor. Ludwig AI validates the usability of this phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were approached by" is a common and grammatically sound passive construction used to describe instances where an individual or group is contacted or solicited by another party. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted in written English. The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media and Scientific contexts, carrying a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that subject-verb agreement is correct and the direction of the interaction is clear. Consider alternatives like "were contacted by" or "were solicited by" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were contacted by

A more direct and neutral alternative, emphasizing the act of being contacted.

were reached out to by

A more informal alternative, common in business contexts and digital communication.

someone got in touch with

A less formal and more conversational way of expressing initial contact.

received contact from

Focuses on the act of receiving communication rather than the initiation.

had contact initiated by

Highlights that the contact was not self-initiated.

were solicited by

Implies a more formal or persuasive request, often for business or support.

were engaged by

Suggests a more active or collaborative interaction.

were presented with an offer by

Specific to situations involving proposals or opportunities.

were propositioned by

Carries a stronger connotation of a formal proposal or suggestion.

were hailed by

Signifies a gesture, either to intercept or invite transport.

FAQs

What is the difference between "were approached by" and "were contacted by"?

While both phrases indicate that someone initiated communication, "were approached by" often implies a more proactive or intentional effort on the part of the initiator. "Were contacted by" is a more neutral term.

When is it appropriate to use "were solicited by" instead of "were approached by"?

"Were solicited by" is appropriate when the contact involves a request or plea, often for services, support, or business. It suggests a more formal or persuasive intent compared to "were approached by".

Can "were approached by" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "were approached by" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very informal settings, phrases like "someone got in touch with" might be preferred.

What are some common scenarios where people "were approached by" someone?

Common scenarios include being approached by recruiters with job offers, being approached by salespeople with product pitches, or being approached by researchers seeking study participants.