were exploited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were exploited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals or resources were taken advantage of or used unfairly. Example: "The workers were exploited by the company, receiving minimal pay for their long hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

New coal mines were exploited.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Now they say there were exploited".

The New York Times

I thought we were exploited by the Labour Party.

The Guardian - Music

"It doesn't feel right knowing people were exploited".

The New York Times

The Cachan squatters, he adds, were exploited for political ends.

The Economist

White settlers were given spacious farms, while the indigenous blacks were exploited as cheap labor.

The New Yorker

"Did you never feel as though you were exploited at all?" "No, not really".

The Guardian - Money

Related, the final decree states: Launching programmes to rehabilitate youths who were exploited in various crimes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Under the old feudalism, the peasants were exploited; under the new arrangement, they'll merely be superfluous.

The New Yorker

All the major social media platforms were exploited in different ways.

The Guardian

The Socialists told Peru's street vendors and bus drivers that they were exploited proletarians.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were exploited", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what was exploited, and by whom or what. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "were exploited" is a passive construction, avoid overuse of passive voice in your writing. Too many passive constructions can make your writing sound weak or unclear. Consider rewriting the sentence in active voice for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were exploited" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject received the action of being exploited. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were exploited" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to describe situations where individuals or resources were unfairly used or taken advantage of. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is fine and appropriate. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting injustice or unethical behavior. It's frequently found in news, science, and encyclopedia sources, demonstrating its applicability across various domains. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who or what was exploited and by whom. Consider active voice alternatives for a more direct and impactful style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were taken advantage of

Emphasizes the unfair or unethical use of someone's vulnerability.

were used unfairly

Highlights the injustice or inequity in the way someone or something was used.

were manipulated

Focuses on the skillful control or influence exerted, often deceptively.

were victimized

Stresses the harm or suffering inflicted upon the individuals or entities.

were abused

Implies a harsh or cruel treatment, often involving a power imbalance.

were capitalized on

Highlights the act of turning a situation to one's advantage, possibly at the expense of others.

were leveraged

Focuses on the strategic use of resources or relationships to achieve a desired outcome, which may be exploitative.

were made use of

A more neutral alternative, but can still imply exploitation depending on the context.

were preyed upon

Suggests a predatory exploitation, where vulnerable individuals are targeted.

were milked

Informal way of saying something was used to extract value until nothing is left, frequently by unethical means.

FAQs

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

Use "were exploited" to describe situations where someone or something was unfairly used for another's benefit. For example: "The workers "were exploited" by the company."

What is a synonym for "were exploited"?

Alternatives include "were taken advantage of", "were used unfairly", or "were manipulated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "were exploited" and "were used"?

"Were used" is a more neutral term, while "were exploited" implies an unfair or unethical use. If the use was simply functional without any negative connotations, "were used" is more appropriate. If there was an element of unfairness or taking advantage, "were exploited" is more accurate.

Is it always negative to say something was "exploited"?

Yes, the term "exploited" inherently carries a negative connotation. It suggests that something or someone was used unfairly, selfishly, or to an excessive degree. If you intend to describe a positive or neutral utilization, consider using alternatives like "utilized", "employed", or "leveraged".