were dismissed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were dismissed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where individuals or groups are sent away or removed from a situation, often in a formal or official capacity. Example: "After the meeting, the employees were dismissed for the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The charges were dismissed.

The New York Times

Form letters were dismissed.

The New York Times

Other cases were dismissed.

The New York Times

His protests were dismissed.

The Economist

Those charges were dismissed.

The New York Times

Five partners were dismissed.

The New York Times

That they were dismissed?

The Guardian - Books

All protests were dismissed.

The Guardian

Both were dismissed.

The New York Times

Ultimately, charges were dismissed.

The New York Times

Ten other claims were dismissed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were dismissed" in legal contexts, ensure clarity regarding whether the dismissal refers to charges, cases, or individuals involved. Specify what exactly "were dismissed" for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "were dismissed" without specifying what was dismissed. For example, instead of saying "The issues were dismissed", clarify with "The issues were dismissed by the court" or "The issues were dismissed from the agenda".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were dismissed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject received the action of being dismissed. Ludwig provides numerous examples where charges, claims, employees, or ideas were dismissed, signifying a formal rejection or termination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were dismissed" is a grammatically sound and very common passive verb construction used to indicate that a subject has been rejected, discharged, or terminated. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase frequently appears in news and media, wiki, and scientific contexts, signifying a formal rejection or termination of charges, claims, employees, or ideas. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly "were dismissed" to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were discharged

Focuses on the act of being officially released from a duty or obligation.

were released

Implies a freeing from confinement or responsibility.

were acquitted

Specifically refers to being found not guilty in a legal context.

were terminated

Highlights the ending of employment or a contract.

were let go

An informal way of saying someone was fired or laid off.

were rejected

Emphasizes the act of not being accepted or approved.

were overruled

Signifies a decision being overturned or reversed by a higher authority.

were disregarded

Focuses on the act of ignoring or paying no attention to something.

were brushed aside

Implies that something was treated as unimportant or insignificant.

were expelled

Highlights being forced to leave a place or organization.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were dismissed" indicates that something or someone was rejected, discharged, or sent away. For example: "The charges "were dismissed" due to lack of evidence" or "The employees "were dismissed" after the project ended".

What are some alternatives to "were dismissed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "were rejected", "were discharged", "were terminated", or "were released".

Is it appropriate to use "were dismissed" in formal writing?

Yes, "were dismissed" is suitable for formal writing. It is commonly used in legal, business, and academic contexts to describe the rejection or termination of something.

What is the difference between "were dismissed" and "were rejected"?

"Were dismissed" often implies a formal ending or sending away, while "were rejected" suggests a refusal to accept something. For example, a court case "were dismissed", but an application "were rejected".