were initiated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were initiated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the beginning of an action or process that was started in the past, often in a passive voice context. Example: "The new policies were initiated to improve workplace safety and efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And so we were initiated.

The New York Times - Travel

What relief efforts were initiated?

The New York Times

Serious collection efforts were initiated.

The Economist

In desperation, fresh talks were initiated.

The Economist

Intravenous methotrexate and rituximab were initiated.

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

Most were initiated in ICU (79%).

Annals of Intensive Care

Empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics were initiated.

Annals of Intensive Care

Rehabilitating exercises were initiated after cast removal.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

His condition deteriorated, and antibiotics (intravenous ceftriaxone) were initiated.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Afterwards, active exercises with and without resistance were initiated.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Reactions were initiated by addition of the enzyme.

AMB Express

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were initiated" when you want to emphasize the formal or official beginning of a process, project, or membership. It adds a layer of sophistication and formality to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "were initiated" in casual or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "were started" or "began" are often more appropriate and natural in everyday conversations or informal communications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were initiated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject received the action of being started or begun. This construction is commonly used to describe the commencement of processes, actions, or memberships, as demonstrated by Ludwig in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Wiki

0.8%

Academia

0.8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were initiated" is a grammatically sound and widely used passive verb phrase that formally denotes the beginning of an action or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most prevalent in scientific and news media contexts, indicating a relatively formal register. For clarity and impact, it's advisable to use simpler terms like "were started" in casual settings and reserve "were initiated" for situations demanding a tone of official commencement. Avoiding overuse in informal contexts can prevent the writing sounding unnatural or forced. The phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were started

This alternative is a more direct and commonly used synonym, suitable for most contexts where "were initiated" is appropriate.

were begun

This alternative is a simple and straightforward synonym, suitable for general use.

were launched

This alternative suggests a more formal or public beginning, often used for projects, campaigns, or products.

were commenced

This alternative is a more formal synonym, often used in legal or official contexts.

were implemented

This alternative suggests that a plan or system was put into effect.

were undertaken

This alternative emphasizes the action of starting a task or project, often implying a commitment.

were instigated

This alternative implies that something was started, often due to a specific cause or influence.

were established

This alternative implies setting something up on a permanent or long-term basis.

were activated

This alternative suggests bringing something into operation or making it functional.

were triggered

This alternative indicates that something was started by a specific event or condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "were initiated" to describe the commencement of a process, action, or membership. For instance, "The clinical trials "were initiated" after receiving ethical approval."

What are some alternatives to "were initiated"?

Alternatives include "were started", "were begun", or "were launched", depending on the specific context. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "were initiated" or "was initiated"?

"Were initiated" is used for plural subjects, while "was initiated" is used for singular subjects. For example, "The projects were initiated" versus "The project was initiated".

What's the difference between "were initiated" and "were started"?

While both indicate a beginning, "were initiated" often implies a more formal or official commencement than "were started". "Were initiated" is preferred in official reports and academic writing.