were decided

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were decided" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where decisions were made in the past, often in passive constructions. Example: "The terms of the agreement were decided after lengthy negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Things were decided for her.

The New York Times - Books

These calendars were decided some years ago.

Independent

Elections were decided at the margin.

The Economist

Both games were decided with power plays.

The New York Times

The finalists were decided late on Friday.

The New York Times

Electoral systems were decided by politicians.

The Guardian - Opinion

Two other major events were decided.

The New York Times

The International Pool finalists were decided Tuesday.

The New York Times - Sports

Half were decided by a home run.

The New York Times - Sports

The other two were decided on Monday.

The New York Times

Finally, the two elusive spots in the A.L. were decided.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were decided", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what made the decision, even if it's implied. This clarifies the action and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "were decided" without a clear understanding of the passive voice. Ensure that the subject receiving the action is evident, even if indirectly stated, to maintain clarity and avoid vagueness in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were decided" functions as the passive voice of the verb "decide". It indicates that a choice, outcome, or resolution was determined, with the focus on the result rather than the actor. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were decided" functions as a passive verb construction indicating a past resolution or determination. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in News & Media and Science contexts. Alternatives like "were determined" or "were resolved" can be used to vary the expression. When using "were decided", ensure that the context clearly implies what or who made the decision to avoid ambiguity. With a high expert rating and frequent usage, "were decided" is a reliable choice for conveying completed decisions in various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were determined

Emphasizes the process of finding something out definitively, implying a more factual conclusion.

were resolved

Focuses on the settling of a dispute or problem, suggesting a conclusion that brings an end to conflict or uncertainty.

were settled

Similar to 'resolved', but often implies a more formal or official conclusion.

were chosen

Highlights the act of selection from multiple options, placing emphasis on the decision-making process.

were selected

Similar to 'chosen', but may suggest a more careful or deliberate selection process.

were agreed upon

Highlights the element of consensus or mutual agreement in reaching a decision.

were established

Implies that something was formally created or set in place, often referring to rules or procedures.

were concluded

Suggests a formal ending or finalization, often used in the context of negotiations or investigations.

were ruled upon

Used in legal or formal contexts, implying a judgment or decision made by an authority.

were ascertained

Focuses on the discovery of something with certainty, often through investigation or research.

FAQs

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

Use "were decided" when you want to emphasize that a decision was made, without necessarily highlighting who made it. For example, "The terms of the agreement "were decided" after negotiations."

What are some alternatives to "were decided"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "were determined", "were resolved", or "were settled" as alternatives to "were decided".

Is it better to use "were decided by" or "were decided"?

The choice depends on whether you want to specify the decision-maker. "Were decided by" explicitly states who made the decision, while "were decided" implies it or leaves it unspecified.

What's the difference between "were decided" and "had been decided"?

"Were decided" refers to a decision made in the past relative to the present. "Had been decided" refers to a decision made in the past relative to another point in the past, indicating a decision made further in the past.