were denied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were denied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something was refused access, permission, or a request in the past. Example: "The applicants were denied entry due to incomplete documentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These motions were denied.

Cornell University

Both requests were denied.

The New York Times - Sports

His applications were denied.

The New Yorker

Many people were denied.

The New Yorker

Both applications were denied.

The New York Times

All were denied.

The New York Times

Officially, they were denied.

The Economist

The requests were denied.

The New York Times

Their requests were denied.

The New York Times - Sports

And many were denied.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They were denied bail.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were denied" in passive constructions to emphasize the object or recipient of the denial, rather than the actor.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "were denied", as excessive use can make writing sound vague or indirect. Consider rephrasing to active voice when appropriate to make your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were denied" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that someone or something was refused something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it signifies the act of not granting or allowing something. It's used to show the outcome of a request or application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were denied" is a common and grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to indicate that a request, application, or access was refused. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a negative outcome. It is most frequently used in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal register. Remember to avoid overuse of the passive voice for clarity and impact. Consider alternatives such as "were refused" or "were rejected" for nuanced variations. Use it wisely to communicate refusals clearly and professionally.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were refused

Replaces "denied" with a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of refusal.

were rejected

Indicates a more formal or decisive refusal, often in applications or proposals.

were not allowed

Focuses on the lack of permission or authorization.

were prohibited

Suggests a formal ban or restriction.

were disallowed

Implies that something was not permitted according to a rule or regulation.

were turned down

A more informal way of saying "were rejected".

were not granted

Emphasizes that a request or privilege was not given.

did not receive

Highlights the lack of receipt rather than the act of denial.

were kept from

Focuses on the act of preventing someone from obtaining something.

were blocked from

Suggests an obstruction or barrier preventing access.

FAQs

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

You can use "were denied" to indicate that someone or something was refused access, permission, or a request. For example, "The applications "were denied" due to incomplete information".

What are some alternatives to "were denied"?

Alternatives include "were refused", "were rejected", or "were not allowed". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

While both active and passive voice can be correct, passive voice with "were denied" emphasizes the recipient of the action. Active voice (e.g., "They denied the request") emphasizes the actor.

What is the difference between "were denied" and "were refused"?

While largely synonymous, "were refused" often implies a more direct and personal act of refusal, while "were denied" can be used in more formal or bureaucratic contexts. Both "were denied" and "were refused" indicate that a request or access was not granted.