were blocked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were blocked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something was obstructed or prevented from proceeding in the past. Example: "The roads were blocked due to heavy snowfall, causing significant delays for commuters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Now they were blocked.

The Economist

A couple were blocked.

The New York Times - Sports

The sidewalks were blocked.

The New Yorker

Three arteries were blocked.

The New York Times

Streets were blocked.

The New York Times - Sports

Some were blocked.

The New Yorker

All the roads were blocked.

The New York Times

They were blocked by guards.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

All our senses were blocked out.

The Guardian

Both ears [were] blocked in the race".

The Guardian - Sport

Find out what you were blocked/banned for.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were blocked", ensure the context clearly identifies what was blocked and the reason for the obstruction. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "were blocked" without clearly defining the subject and object. For instance, instead of just saying "actions were blocked", specify "the company's attempts to expand were blocked by regulatory hurdles".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were blocked" primarily functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence experienced an action performed by an external agent. As shown by Ludwig, it describes a state of being obstructed or prevented from proceeding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

40%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were blocked" is a grammatically sound and widely used passive construction that indicates obstruction or prevention. As shown by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what was blocked and the reason for the obstruction. Remember that Ludwig AI validates the phrase as correct and usable in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were obstructed

Replaces "blocked" with a synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality.

were impeded

Similar to "obstructed" but can imply a slower or more gradual hindrance.

were prevented

Focuses on the act of stopping something from happening or progressing.

were stopped

A more direct and simple alternative, emphasizing the cessation of movement or action.

were halted

Suggests a sudden or abrupt stop.

were barricaded

Implies a physical barrier was used to block passage.

were shut down

Suggests a complete cessation of operations or activity.

were closed off

Emphasizes the act of sealing or isolating an area.

were suppressed

Indicates a forceful prevention of expression or action.

were held back

Suggests a force or influence preventing advancement.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were blocked" indicates that something was prevented from passing or proceeding. For example, "The roads "were blocked" due to the accident" or "His attempts to access the server "were blocked" by the firewall".

What can I say instead of "were blocked"?

You can use alternatives like "were obstructed", "were impeded", or "were prevented" depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance of obstruction.

Is it correct to say "was blocked" instead of "were blocked"?

The correct form depends on the subject's number. Use "was blocked" for singular subjects (e.g., "The road was blocked"), and "were blocked" for plural subjects (e.g., "The roads were blocked").

What's the difference between "were blocked" and "were barricaded"?

"Were blocked" generally means something was obstructed, while "were barricaded" implies a physical barrier was erected. For example, roads "were blocked" by snow, but roads "were barricaded" by protestors.