were distributed

USAGE SUMMARY

"were distributed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was given out to a group of people. For example: The flyers were distributed to all of the students in the school.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Condoms were distributed.

The Economist

Hussain were distributed.

The New York Times

Somehow, they were distributed prematurely.

The New York Times

The children's names were distributed widely.

The New York Times

In all, 687 medals were distributed.

The New Yorker

All 18,000 tickets were distributed free.

The New York Times

(Earplugs were distributed at the door).

The New York Times - Arts

The letters were distributed to reporters.

The New Yorker

Papers were distributed to protesters and nonprotesters.

The New York Times

Free tickets were distributed in the afternoon.

The New York Times - Arts

Nearly 300 million nets were distributed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "allocated", "disseminated", or "handed out" to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing. Always select the word that most accurately reflects the method and context of the distribution.

Common error

Avoid using "was distributed" when referring to multiple items. The plural verb "were" is necessary when the subject is plural. For instance, use "Flyers were distributed", not "Flyers was distributed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were distributed" functions as a passive verb phrase. This grammatical structure indicates that the subject of the sentence received the action rather than performing it. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were distributed" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to describe the allocation of items or information across various contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and provides a plethora of examples. While generally neutral in register, it's prevalent in news, scientific, and formal business sources. For clear and impactful writing, always ensure proper subject-verb agreement and consider synonyms like "allocated" or "disseminated" for variety. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate when describing the act of giving something out.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were allocated

Focuses on a more formal or planned assignment of resources.

were disseminated

Emphasizes the widespread spreading of information or ideas.

were handed out

Suggests a more casual or informal distribution method.

were dispensed

Implies a controlled or measured distribution, often of goods or services.

were supplied

Highlights the act of providing something that is needed.

were provided

Similar to 'were supplied' but can also apply to non-tangible things.

were circulated

Specifically refers to items that move around or are passed from person to person.

were shared

Indicates that something was divided among multiple parties.

were issued

Often used when referring to official documents or statements.

were assigned

Implies a specific allocation to individuals or groups.

FAQs

How to use "were distributed" in a sentence?

Use "were distributed" to describe items or resources that have been given out to multiple recipients. For example, "The pamphlets were distributed to all attendees".

What can I say instead of "were distributed"?

You can use alternatives like "were allocated", "were disseminated", or "were handed out" depending on the context.

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

"Were distributed" is correct for plural subjects (e.g., "Tickets were distributed"). "Was distributed" is correct for singular subjects (e.g., "The information was distributed").

What's the difference between "were distributed" and "were assigned"?

"Were distributed" implies a giving out or spreading around of items, while "were assigned" suggests a specific allocation to individuals or groups. For example, flyers "were distributed", but tasks "were assigned".