were examined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were examined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing subjects that have been analyzed or investigated in some way, typically in a formal or academic setting. Example: "The samples were examined under a microscope to determine their composition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then they were examined.

The New Yorker

were examined.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The women were examined with ultrasound.

The New York Times - Health

We were examined by a doctor.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sixty cats were examined.

Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery

Protein levels were examined by immunoblotting.

Nature

Vehicle controls were examined in four rats.

Nature

Three criteria were examined.

Animal Behaviour

Luciferase activities were examined as described20.

Nature

First, the data were examined for outliers.

Nature

The children were examined after the game.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the passive voice construction "were examined", ensure that the subject performing the examination is either irrelevant or already understood within the context.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice. While "were examined" is grammatically correct, excessive use can make your writing sound indirect and less engaging. Consider rephrasing to use the active voice when appropriate to improve clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were examined" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence underwent some form of inspection, analysis, or scrutiny. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples where entities undergo examination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

32%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were examined" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive verb phrase that indicates a process of inspection or analysis. As evidenced by Ludwig's extensive examples, it frequently appears in scientific and news contexts. It is advisable to be mindful of overusing the passive voice in general. While "were examined" is correct, active voice alternatives might improve clarity. Considering all the information, it is a versatile phrase suitable for various formal and neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were inspected

This alternative focuses on the act of visually checking something for flaws or issues. It emphasizes the visual aspect of the assessment.

were investigated

This phrase suggests a more in-depth and thorough inquiry, often involving the gathering of evidence or information.

were analyzed

This implies a systematic and detailed examination, often involving breaking down something into its constituent parts to understand its nature or function.

were assessed

This alternative emphasizes the evaluation of something's quality, value, or performance. It focuses on making a judgment based on specific criteria.

were scrutinized

This suggests a very careful and critical examination, often looking for errors or weaknesses.

were checked

This is a more general term for verifying something's accuracy or condition. It can be used in a wide range of contexts.

were tested

This focuses on subjecting something to a specific set of conditions or procedures to determine its performance or characteristics.

were evaluated

Similar to 'assessed', this emphasizes the process of determining the significance or worth of something, often using a specific scale or rubric.

were observed

This focuses on the act of watching something carefully, often to gather data or information about its behavior or characteristics.

were reviewed

This implies a formal assessment or evaluation, often by an expert or panel of experts. It suggests a systematic and comprehensive analysis.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were examined" is used to indicate that subjects or objects have undergone inspection or analysis. For example, "The samples "were examined" under a microscope", or "The documents "were examined" for authenticity".

What are some alternatives to "were examined"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "were examined" include "were inspected", "were analyzed", "were investigated", or "were assessed". The best choice depends on the specific type of examination being described.

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

While "were examined" is grammatically correct, using the active voice can sometimes improve clarity and conciseness. For example, instead of "The patients "were examined" by the doctor", you could say "The doctor examined the patients".

What's the difference between "were examined" and "were investigated"?

While both phrases imply a closer look, "were examined" suggests a general inspection, whereas "were investigated" implies a more thorough and systematic inquiry. For instance, documents might be "examined" for errors, but a crime scene would be "investigated" for clues.