were created

USAGE SUMMARY

"were created" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is the past tense of the verb "to create." You can use it when referring to something that was created in the past. For example, "The pyramids of Egypt were created thousands of years ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

New jobs were created.

The New Yorker

Bogus customer receipts were created.

The Economist

Thousands of jobs were created.

The New York Times

Facebook groups were created.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Four variants were created.

Journal of Molecular Biology

Two national parks were created in 1983.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Jobs were created by computers.

The Guardian - Tech

They were created for children.

The Guardian - Arts

(An additional two were created for others).

The New York Times - Arts

Facebook groups were created in her honour.

Independent

The plants and the trees were created.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were created" to clearly indicate the passive voice, emphasizing the result or object rather than the actor. This is particularly useful in scientific or formal writing where objectivity is important.

Common error

Avoid using the active voice when the passive voice with "were created" is more appropriate. For instance, instead of "Scientists created the experiment", use "The experiment were created by scientists" to emphasize the experiment itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were created" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence underwent the action of being brought into existence. It's commonly used to shift focus from the creator to the object or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were created" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive voice construction. According to Ludwig AI, its purpose is to describe how something came into existence, shifting focus from the creator to the result. It maintains a neutral register and is appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, encyclopedias and wiki articles. When using this phrase, consider alternatives like "were generated" or "came into being" to add variety to your writing and avoid misusing active voice where passive is more appropriate. Ludwig provides numerous examples to guide its correct usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were generated

This alternative focuses on the production or origination aspect.

were brought into existence

This alternative adds emphasis to the act of causing something to exist.

were produced

This alternative emphasizes the result of a process or action.

were formed

This alternative highlights the act of taking shape or being structured.

came into being

This alternative uses a more philosophical and abstract tone, emphasizing the origin of something.

were developed

This alternative implies a gradual process of growth and improvement.

were established

This alternative emphasizes the setting up or founding of something.

were designed

This alternative emphasizes the planning and intentional creation.

were invented

This alternative is suitable when something entirely new is conceived.

were manufactured

This alternative implies mass production or making.

FAQs

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

Use "were created" when you want to describe that something was brought into existence or made. For example, "The new jobs "were created" as a result of the new factory."

What's the difference between "were created" and "were made"?

While both indicate something was brought into existence, "were created" often implies a more complex or inventive process, while "were made" is more general. Consider using "were created" when craftsmanship is involved or when there is an artistic or inventive element. Otherwise "were made" can be used.

Which is correct, "was created" or "were created"?

"Was created" is used for singular nouns, while "were created" is used for plural nouns. For example, "The artwork was created" versus "The artworks "were created"."

What can I say instead of "were created"?

You can use alternatives like "were generated", "were produced", or "came into being" depending on the context.