were attended to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were attended to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was taken care of or addressed, often in a formal or passive context. Example: "All customer complaints were attended to promptly by the support team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Prevalence of skilled attendance at delivery was 60.5%; most of the pregnant women were attended to by midwives and nurses (45.4%).

BMJ Open

Brochures were redrawn, e-mails were attended to and people worked on projects near their kids.

The New York Times

They were attended to by a swarm of volunteers (some 1,100 in all, who work on a rotating basis).

The New York Times - Travel

Once her physical wounds were attended to -- she wasn't badly hurt; just a few cuts and bruises -- she was approached by Anna Roglieri Healy, a psychiatric nurse.

The New York Times - Magazine

And many of them were attended to by Joseph Zwilling, the press spokesman who had played straight man to the quip-loving cardinal for 16 years.

The New York Times

Each of the horses injured today were attended to promptly and received a high standard of professional veterinary care from the team at Cheltenham Racecourse.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Some were being attended to.

The Guardian - Travel

Knees and elbows must be attended to.

The Guardian - Books

This must be attended to right away.

The New York Times

Local objections were not to be attended to.

The New York Times

Its third, minding its own business, is being attended to.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were attended to", ensure the subject clearly indicates what or who received the attention. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid replacing the passive construction "were attended to" with an active voice construction if the actor is unknown or unimportant. Using the active voice when it's not appropriate can shift the focus and obscure the recipient of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were attended to" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject received attention or service. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe patients being treated, details being addressed, or needs being met.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

47%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were attended to" is a common and grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to convey that someone or something received attention, care, or service. It is prevalent in both scientific and news contexts, as evidenced by the numerous examples found by Ludwig. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it appropriate for various communication styles. While it effectively communicates that attention was given, writers should consider whether an active voice construction might be more direct and impactful in certain contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were taken care of

Emphasizes the act of providing care or assistance.

were cared for

Similar to 'were taken care of' but can imply a more nurturing approach.

were looked after

Focuses on the aspect of supervision and protection.

were given attention

Emphasizes the act of focusing on something or someone.

were assisted

Focuses on providing help or support to someone.

were dealt with

Highlights the action of addressing or handling a situation or issue.

were provided for

Indicates that necessary resources or support were supplied.

were serviced

Suggests a more formal or technical type of attention or maintenance.

were accommodated

Highlights the act of providing lodging or making arrangements for someone's needs.

were ministered to

Implies a compassionate or helpful type of service.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "were attended to" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use alternatives like "were serviced", "were administered to", or "were processed" depending on the specific context.

What is a simpler way to say "were attended to"?

Simpler alternatives include "were helped", "were cared for", or "were assisted". These options are suitable for less formal contexts.

Is "were attended to" appropriate for business writing?

Yes, "were attended to" is appropriate for business writing. However, ensure that the context calls for a passive voice. Active alternatives like "addressed" or "handled" may be more direct and preferred in certain situations.

What's the difference between "were attended to" and "were ignored"?

"Were attended to" indicates that someone or something received attention or care, while "were ignored" means they were overlooked or not given any attention. The phrases are antonyms, representing opposite actions.