were duplicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were duplicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been copied or reproduced in the past. Example: "The original documents were duplicated to ensure that everyone had access to the necessary information."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ms. Sui's backdrop evoked Christian Bérard's drawings for Parisian theatrical sets and were duplicated in printed crepe de Chine dresses.

The New York Times

From the 1920s, Hoffman's photographs were duplicated by the million in the German press, and sold as postcards to the party faithful.

The Guardian

It noted that the control cables were duplicated on the other side of the plane, allowing the flight crew to maintain control of the aircraft.

The New York Times

Watson's expense claims for half a service charge and half the council tax were duplicated by Wright, who claimed the full amount on the property.

The Guardian

When Ms. Heisler saw the "Cashmere Mafia" pilot, she winced because several of the locations were duplicated, including a conference room and an important building exterior.

The New York Times

How closely he was followed abroad cannot be determined from his blacked-out file, but passport photographs that he had supplied were duplicated there.

The New Yorker

First, very few of the albums were duplicated (I'd thought we might be able to compile a list based on the suggestions: that was impossible).

The Guardian - Music

However, significant numbers of Orange and T-Mobile customers found service had deteriorated since the merger removed masts where signals were duplicated.

The Guardian - Tech

All experiments were duplicated unless otherwise noted.

AMB Express

All experiments were duplicated in order to avoid experimental errors.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

Due to a technical mishap some citations were duplicated.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were duplicated", ensure the context clearly indicates what was duplicated and the reason for the duplication. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "were duplicated" when the active voice would be clearer and more direct. For instance, instead of "The files were duplicated by the system", consider "The system duplicated the files."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were duplicated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that an action of duplication was performed on a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were duplicated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb construction that conveys the idea of something having been copied or reproduced. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While widely applicable across diverse contexts, including science and news, it's advisable to consider whether an active voice construction might enhance clarity. For alternatives, options like "were copied" or "were replicated" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register ensures effective communication in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were replicated

Focuses specifically on creating an exact copy or reproduction.

were copied

A more general term for making a copy, without necessarily implying exactness.

were reproduced

Emphasizes the act of producing something again, often in a different format or medium.

were mirrored

Implies a direct correspondence or reflection between two entities.

were mirrored

Implies a direct correspondence or reflection between two entities.

were cloned

Suggests creating an identical copy, often used in a biological context.

were imitated

Focuses on following a model or example.

were reiterated

Implies a repetition of information or an idea.

were paralleled

Highlights a similarity or correspondence in development or structure.

were echoed

Indicates a repetition or resonance of a sound, idea, or feeling.

FAQs

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

You can use "were duplicated" to indicate that something has been copied or reproduced. For example, "The original documents "were duplicated" to ensure that everyone had access to the necessary information".

What's a simpler way to say "were duplicated"?

Alternatives include "were copied" or "were reproduced", depending on the context.

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

While "were duplicated" is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "The system duplicated the files") can often make your writing more direct and easier to understand.

What is the difference between "were duplicated" and "were replicated"?

"Were duplicated" generally means copied, while "were replicated" often implies a more precise, identical reproduction, especially in scientific contexts.