were found

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were found" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the past tense to indicate that something was discovered or located. Example: "The missing documents were found in the storage room after a thorough search."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Twenty were found dead.

The New York Times

Others were found outside.

The New York Times

No drugs were found.

The Guardian

No explosives were found.

The New York Times

All were found naked.

The Guardian

These were found abandoned.

The New Yorker

Solutions were found.

The New York Times

(All were found guilty).

The New York Times

No pages were found.

The Economist

The bombs were found.

The New York Times

No weapons were found.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were found", ensure that the subject clearly indicates what was discovered or located. For example, "The missing keys were found under the couch."

Common error

Avoid using "were found" with a singular subject. Ensure the subject is plural to maintain grammatical accuracy; otherwise, use "was found."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were found" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence underwent the action of being discovered or located. The Ludwig examples illustrate its usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were found" is a highly versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something has been located or discovered. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread applicability across various domains, particularly in news and scientific reporting. The phrase's frequency and consistent usage in authoritative sources reinforce its reliability. When writing, ensure subject-verb agreement to avoid common errors, and consider context when choosing among alternatives like "were discovered" or "were located".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were discovered

Synonymous replacement, emphasizing the act of uncovering something previously unknown.

were located

Focuses on the act of finding something at a specific place or position.

were identified

Highlights the recognition or establishment of something's identity.

were detected

Suggests finding something, often through technical means or observation.

were unearthed

Implies digging up or discovering something hidden, often with historical significance.

were ascertained

Stresses the act of finding something out for certain after inquiry or analysis.

were revealed

Indicates that something has become known or visible that was previously secret or unclear.

were established

Emphasizes the act of setting something up or proving it.

were determined

Highlights the process of finding something out as a result of investigation or calculation.

turned up

Informal way to say that something was found, often unexpectedly.

FAQs

How is "were found" used in a sentence?

"Were found" is used to indicate that multiple items or entities have been discovered or located. For example, "The missing documents were found in the archive."

What are some alternatives to "were found"?

You can use alternatives like "were discovered", "were located", or "were identified" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "was found" instead of "were found"?

The choice between "was found" and "were found" depends on the subject. Use "was found" with a singular subject (e.g., "The key was found") and "were found" with a plural subject (e.g., "The keys were found").

What's the difference between "were found" and "were discovered"?

While both phrases indicate that something was located, "were discovered" often implies that the finding was unexpected or revealed something previously unknown, whereas "were found" is a more general term for locating something.