were disrupted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were disrupted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something was interrupted or disturbed, often referring to events, processes, or activities. Example: "The conference proceedings were disrupted by unexpected technical difficulties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Political conventions were disrupted.

The New York Times

"Ecosystems were disrupted.

The Guardian

No operations were disrupted.

The New York Times

Both were disrupted.

The Washington Post

Mr Yushchenko's rallies were disrupted.

The Economist

Train and mobile phone services were disrupted.

The Guardian

Trains were disrupted and schools closed.

The New York Times

Her brain was bruised, and vital connections were disrupted.

The New York Times - Science

Telecommunications and Internet connections were disrupted at several foreign embassies.

The New York Times

Railway lines, as well as a main road, were disrupted.

The New York Times

Pretty melodies were disrupted by shards of noise.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were disrupted", ensure the subject clearly identifies what experienced the interruption or disturbance. For instance, specify what systems, processes, or events "were disrupted" to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice constructions like "were disrupted". While grammatically correct, excessive passive voice can make writing sound weak and indirect. Consider active voice alternatives when appropriate to create stronger, more engaging sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were disrupted" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence underwent some form of interruption or disturbance. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were disrupted" is a grammatically sound and widely used passive verb phrase that indicates an interruption or disturbance. Ludwig confirms its correctness and highlights its application across diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific research. While "were disrupted" is considered neutral in tone and appropriate for varied registers, writers should aim to use active voice when it creates a more engaging and straightforward sentence. Understanding the context-specific alternatives, like "experienced disruption" or "suffered interruptions", can help refine your writing and prevent overuse of the passive voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffered interruptions

This alternative replaces "disrupted" with a synonym, focusing on the act of interrupting.

experienced disruption

This alternative uses a noun to describe the action rather than the passive verb form.

were impeded

Focuses on the aspect of being hindered or obstructed.

encountered interference

This alternative suggests an external force causing the disruption.

underwent disturbance

A more formal synonym for "disruption", highlighting the act of being disturbed.

became disordered

This option highlights the resulting state of disarray from the disruption.

were destabilized

Emphasizes the loss of stability due to the disruption.

faced setbacks

This alternative implies a hindrance or delay, which is a more general consequence of disruption.

met with obstacles

Highlights challenges and obstructions encountered.

were thrown into chaos

This phrase amplifies the severity of the disruption, suggesting a more extreme outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "were disrupted" to indicate that something was interrupted or disturbed. For example, "Train services "were disrupted" by signalling problems."

What are some alternatives to saying "were disrupted"?

You can use alternatives like "experienced disruption", "suffered interruptions", or "faced setbacks" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing a disruption?

While both are grammatically correct, active voice (e.g., "The storm disrupted the power supply") often creates a more direct and engaging sentence than passive voice ("The power supply "were disrupted" by the storm"). Choose the voice that best suits the context and desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "were disrupted" and "were interrupted"?

While similar, "were interrupted" typically implies a temporary cessation, while ""were disrupted"" can suggest a more significant or prolonged disturbance. The best choice depends on the nature and extent of the disturbance.