were connected to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were connected to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship or association between two or more entities, often in a past context. Example: "The two systems were connected to each other, allowing for seamless data transfer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Most were connected to California.

The New York Times - Arts

These controls were connected to the Internet.

The New York Times - Tech

UK phones were connected to 4G barely half the time.

The Guardian - Tech

Most of the first monasteries were connected to a cathedral.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That you were connected to the human race?

Independent

Outposts were connected to the main forts by concrete tunnels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By the time she was 16, they were connected to the internet.

The Guardian

The wires were connected to a pacemakerlike unit, implanted under the man's collarbone.

The New York Times - Health

There was no evidence that the militants were connected to the Brotherhood.

The Guardian

The police were investigating whether those events were connected to yesterday's shooting, Sergeant Laursen said.

The New York Times

And the clothes were connected to the modernity of Mr. Simons's men's show in July.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were connected to", ensure the relationship you're describing is clear and specific. Avoid vague connections that lack substance.

Common error

Avoid using "were connected to" as a filler phrase. Ensure the connection you are describing adds meaningful information to the sentence. Be clear about how things are linked.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were connected to" functions as a linking verb phrase, indicating a relationship or association between subjects and objects. It describes a state of being connected or linked in the past, as seen in Ludwig's examples where systems are connected, individuals are affiliated, or events are related.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Huffington Post

5%

Plosone

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were connected to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a past relationship or association between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is applicable across various contexts, spanning from News & Media to scientific and encyclopedic content. Alternatives such as "were linked to" or "were associated with" can be used for variety. However, it's important to ensure the context is clear and the connection being described is meaningful to avoid overuse or vagueness. "Were connected to" exhibits a neutral register and is widely accepted, making it a reliable choice for expressing connections in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were linked to

Focuses on the act of linking, suggesting a direct relationship or association.

were associated with

Emphasizes a correlation or relationship without necessarily implying direct causation.

were related to

Indicates a connection or relationship, often implying a common origin or influence.

were joined to

Implies a physical or structural connection, suggesting being combined or united.

were coupled with

Suggests a pairing or combination of two or more elements, often for a specific purpose.

were tied to

Highlights a strong connection or dependence, implying a binding relationship.

were in communication with

Focuses on the exchange of information or interaction between entities.

were in contact with

Implies a state of interaction or communication, often suggesting a physical proximity.

were in relation to

Indicates a comparative or proportional relationship, often used in scientific or analytical contexts.

were affiliated with

Suggests a formal association or membership, often used in organizational contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "were connected to" in a sentence?

Use "were connected to" to indicate a relationship or association between two or more things in the past. For example, "The two buildings were connected to each other by a tunnel."

What can I say instead of "were connected to"?

You can use alternatives like "were linked to", "were associated with", or "were related to" depending on the context.

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

Yes, but the correct form depends on the subject. Use "was connected to" for singular subjects and "were connected to" for plural subjects. For example, "The device was connected to the network," but "The devices were connected to the network."

What's the difference between "were connected to" and "were attached to"?

"Were connected to" implies a broader relationship, association, or link, while "were attached to" suggests a physical or direct connection. For example, "The events were connected to a conspiracy," but "The wires were attached to the sensor."