were chosen

USAGE SUMMARY

"were chosen" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is the past tense form of the verb "to choose" and is used to indicate that someone or something was selected or picked for a particular purpose. Example: The winners of the competition were chosen based on their creativity and originality.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sides were chosen randomly.

The New York Times

Twenty-five were chosen.

The New York Times

Draftees were chosen by lottery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The finalists were chosen from 90 entries.

The New York Times

Just 55 were chosen for the shortlist.

Independent

Ten names and blank sheets were chosen.

The Economist

Seven D-League referees were chosen.

The New York Times - Sports

They were chosen to draw young audiences.

The New York Times - Arts

Three individuals were chosen as subjects.

The New York Times - Arts

Three were chosen out of 12 responses.

The New York Times

Fourteen cornerbacks were chosen ahead of him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were chosen", ensure the sentence clearly indicates the criteria or reason behind the selection. This provides context and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "were chosen" without specifying how or why the selection was made. This can leave the reader questioning the validity or fairness of the process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were chosen" functions as the passive voice of the verb "choose". It indicates that the subject of the sentence underwent the action of being selected. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a commonly used phrase for describing a selection process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were chosen" serves as a versatile and frequently employed passive construction to denote the action of selection. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely utilized across diverse contexts. The phrase demonstrates prevalence in news, scientific literature, and encyclopedic sources, while maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. For writers seeking nuanced expression, alternatives such as ""were selected"" or "were designated" may offer subtle shifts in emphasis or formality. However, "were chosen" remains a reliable and accessible option for conveying the essence of the selection process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were selected

Emphasizes a more formal or deliberate process of picking something.

were picked

Suggests a more casual or straightforward method of selection.

were designated

Highlights the act of officially assigning a role or purpose.

were appointed

Indicates selection for a specific position or duty.

were elected

Refers specifically to selection through a voting process.

were named

Focuses on the act of giving a title or designation.

were handpicked

Implies a careful and personal selection process.

were drafted

Suggests selection, often involuntary, for a specific service or purpose.

were favored

Indicates a preference or bias in the selection.

were allocated

Focuses on assigning a resource or item to a specific recipient.

FAQs

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

Use "were chosen" to indicate that something or someone was selected from a larger group, like in "The finalists "were selected" from hundreds of applicants".

What is a more formal alternative to "were chosen"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "were designated" or "were appointed", especially when referring to official roles or responsibilities.

Is it better to use "were chosen" or "were selected"?

Both "were chosen" and ""were selected"" are grammatically correct. "Were selected" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but the choice often depends on the context and desired tone.

Can "were chosen" be used to describe inanimate objects?

Yes, "were chosen" can be used for both people and objects. For example, "These formats "were selected" for a reason" shows its use with inanimate objects.