were endorsed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were endorsed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has received approval or support in the past. Example: "The new policy changes were endorsed by the board during the last meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such views were endorsed by leading academics.

The Guardian - Books

Many of the checks were endorsed by party officials.

The New York Times

His comments were endorsed by the charity Anti-Slavery International.

The Guardian

The findings of the report were endorsed by Mr. Spitzer's own Inspector General, Kristine Hamann.

The New York Times

They also liked the non-tech products more when they were endorsed by Caucasian models.

The Washington Post

The donor restrictions were endorsed by an F.D.A. advisory panel last month.

The New York Times

The week after the crisis his first three appointees were endorsed unanimously by the Senate.

The New Yorker

They were endorsed by 192 countries, including the United States, Brazil and South Africa.

The New York Times

In November, the HD DVD camp's specifications were endorsed by the forum's steering committee.

The New York Times

Caps or taxes were endorsed where "national circumstances" made those acceptable.

The New York Times - Science

Today, those were endorsed too by a prime minister in London, David Cameron.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were endorsed" when you want to emphasize that an idea, policy, or product received approval or support, especially from an authoritative source or a group of people.

Common error

Avoid using "were endorsed" when you actually mean "were enforced". "Endorsed" means to give support or approval, while "enforced" means to compel observance of or compliance with a law, rule, or obligation. For example, a policy can be "endorsed" by a committee, but it is "enforced" by a regulatory body.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were endorsed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject received approval or support. As Ludwig AI demonstrates, it's commonly used to describe actions ratified by an authority or widely accepted ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were endorsed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase that signifies approval or support. As Ludwig AI confirms, its common usage spans across various contexts, notably in news, scientific, and formal business communication. To avoid confusion, remember "endorsed" is not "enforced". Alternatives such as "were approved" or "were supported" may be used to add variety or nuanced meaning. Using "were endorsed" effectively strengthens the credibility of the subject and emphasizes its acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were supported

Indicates backing or approval, similar to endorsement but can imply a broader range of support.

were approved

Implies formal consent or agreement, often by an authority or governing body.

were ratified

Suggests formal validation or confirmation, often in a legal or political context.

were backed

Similar to "were supported" but can imply more active or financial support.

were sanctioned

Implies official permission or authorization, sometimes with a connotation of penalty for non-compliance.

were validated

Indicates confirmation of accuracy or soundness, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

were advocated

Implies active promotion or championing of a cause or idea.

were upheld

Indicates that something was maintained or defended, often in a legal or moral sense.

were championed

Suggests strong support and promotion, often by a prominent figure.

were affirmed

Indicates a declaration of truth or validity, often in a formal setting.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were endorsed" is used to indicate that something received approval or support. For example, "The recommendations "were endorsed" by the committee" or "The candidate's policies "were endorsed" by several prominent figures".

What are some alternatives to "were endorsed"?

Alternatives to "were endorsed" include phrases like "were approved", "were supported", "were ratified", or "were validated", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "were endorsed" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to indicate that something has received approval or support. Its usage is demonstrated across academic, business, and news contexts, as illustrated by Ludwig.

What is the difference between "were endorsed" and "were recommended"?

"Were recommended" suggests that something was suggested as a good choice or course of action. "Were endorsed", on the other hand, implies a stronger level of support and approval, often from an authoritative body. Something "can be recommended" without necessarily being formally endorsed.