were conducted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were conducted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when speaking about actions that have already taken place in the past. Example: A series of interviews were conducted to determine the participants' opinions on the issue.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Services were conducted privately.

The New York Times

Tests were conducted.

The New York Times

Interviews were conducted.

The New York Times - Sports

Radiation sweeps were conducted.

The New York Times

The tests were conducted Saturday.

The New York Times

Rectal exams were conducted with "excessive force".

The Guardian

The negotiations were conducted from afar.

The New York Times

Burial services were conducted February 2 , 2005

The New York Times

All interviews were conducted face-to-face.

The Guardian

That summer eight rail transports were conducted.

The Guardian

These preparations were conducted in secrecy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were conducted", ensure the subject clearly identifies what was performed. For instance, specify "The experiments were conducted" rather than simply "They were conducted."

Common error

Avoid unnecessarily converting passive sentences with "were conducted" into active voice if it obscures the agent or reduces clarity. The passive voice is often preferable when the action is more important than the actor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were conducted" serves as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a particular action or activity has been performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. It emphasizes the action rather than the actor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were conducted" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that actions or processes have been completed. As Ludwig AI points out, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, this passive verb phrase helps maintain objectivity and professionalism. To ensure clarity, always specify what "were conducted" and, when appropriate, consider related phrases such as "were performed" or "were carried out" to best suit your specific context. Avoid overuse in favor of active voice if the actor is important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were performed

Highlights the execution of a task, often in a formal or technical setting.

were carried out

Emphasizes the completion of a series of actions or a plan.

were executed

Implies a more formal or structured approach to the performance of a task.

were undertaken

Indicates the commencement and carrying out of a task or project.

took place

Focuses on the occurrence of an event, rather than the execution of it.

were effectuated

A more formal synonym for 'were carried out'.

were implemented

Suggests the putting into effect of a plan or system.

were administered

Often used when referring to tests, treatments, or processes.

were completed

Stresses the finished state of an activity or task.

were enacted

Used when speaking about laws or policies being put into action.

FAQs

How do I use "were conducted" in a sentence?

Use "were conducted" to describe activities, experiments, or events that have already taken place. For example, "The interviews "were conducted" in the morning".

What are some alternatives to "were conducted"?

Alternatives include phrases like "took place", "were performed", or "were carried out". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "were conducted"?

The passive voice is often suitable when the actor is unknown or less important than the action itself. For instance, "The tests "were conducted"" is appropriate when the focus is on the tests, not who conducted them.

What's the difference between "were conducted" and "were executed"?

"Were conducted" generally implies an organized activity or process, while "were executed" suggests a more formal or structured performance. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.