were frequently used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were frequently used" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was commonly utilized in the past. Example: "In the early 20th century, typewriters were frequently used in offices for document preparation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Funerary masks were frequently used to cover the face of the deceased.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The dehumidifiers were frequently used in basements to eliminate moisture in the air, he added, mainly in the spring and summer.

The New York Times

The salesman said, "Tiffany has no bar spoons, Madam, but may I ask what the r purpose is?" The lady said they were frequently used for stirring Martinis.

The New Yorker

Generally speaking, geometric patterns are common, and slips in black, brown, white, or red were frequently used.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Aretalogies were frequently used to represent the essential creed and belief of a religious or philosophical movement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Statistics on the number of Taliban "leaders" killed or captured were frequently used by the former Isaf commander, and now CIA director, General David Petraeus, to prove his claims that his forces were making progress on the battlefield.

The Guardian

Such an attitude, in fact, illustrates one of the main criticisms of debt buyback strategies, which were frequently used during the Latin American debt crisis in the 1980s.

The New York Times

The music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance was primarily vocal, although instruments were frequently used in compositions to accompany or reinforce the individual vocal line.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Colours were frequently used as classifiers; e.g., the Vedic scripture known as the Yajurveda is divided into two groups of texts, White and Black.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These two factors were frequently used to group spiders into functional groups.

HAYATI Journal of Biosciences

Although contact burns were frequently used models, most of them were manually designed.

Burns

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were frequently used", ensure the context clearly indicates the time period being referenced. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides a clearer understanding of when the frequent use occurred.

Common error

Avoid shifting between past and present tense when describing how something "were frequently used". Maintain consistent past tense throughout the sentence and surrounding paragraphs to ensure clarity and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were frequently used" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action or state that occurred often. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show its application across diverse contexts, from describing historical practices to scientific methodologies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

19%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were frequently used" is a grammatically sound and versatile way to describe past practices or conditions that were common. As Ludwig AI indicates, its correct and widely applicable, appearing across diverse sources such as science, news, encyclopedias, and wikis. The phrase functions to provide context, explain historical trends, or describe methodologies. While applicable in both formal and informal registers, its neutral tone makes it appropriate for broad audiences. When writing, ensure tense consistency and consider alternative phrases like "were commonly employed" or "were often utilized" to add nuance. Remember to clearly indicate the time period being referenced to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were commonly employed

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of employing something.

were often utilized

This alternative highlights the usefulness or functionality of what was being used.

were regularly applied

This alternative is best suited when describing a process or method that was consistently implemented.

were widely adopted

This alternative emphasizes the widespread acceptance and use of something.

were generally utilized

This alternative highlights the general or widespread use of something.

were normally employed

This alternative indicates that something was used under typical circumstances.

were habitually practiced

This alternative is suited when describing a custom or routine that was consistently done.

were repeatedly implemented

This alternative emphasizes the repeated nature of the implementation.

were consistently applied

This alternative underscores the consistent and uniform application of something.

saw common usage

This alternative is a bit more concise and emphasizes the frequency of usage.

FAQs

How can I use "were frequently used" in a sentence?

Use "were frequently used" to describe something that was commonly utilized or practiced in the past. For example, "Typewriters "were frequently used" in offices before the advent of computers".

What are some alternatives to "were frequently used"?

You can use alternatives like "were commonly employed", "were often utilized", or "were widely adopted" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was frequently used" instead of "were frequently used"?

No, "was frequently used" is for singular nouns, while ""were frequently used"" is for plural nouns. For example, "The tool was frequently used" (singular) versus "The tools "were frequently used"" (plural).

What's the difference between "were frequently used" and "were occasionally used"?

"Were frequently used" implies common and consistent usage, while "were occasionally used" suggests that something was only used sometimes or infrequently. The choice depends on the degree of regularity you want to convey.