were inspected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were inspected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing an action that has been completed in the past, particularly in passive voice constructions. Example: "The documents were inspected by the auditor before the final report was submitted."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mailrooms were inspected at government buildings across the state.

The New York Times

Finally, all plots were inspected visually.

EJNMMI Research

Infit and outfit were inspected in this study.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

Impressions were inspected and repeated when any inaccuracy was found.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

Wounds were inspected daily for clinical postsurgical complications.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

First, the nanostructures were inspected by ESEM image analysis.

Nanoscale Research Letters

At least three selections from each section were inspected.

AMB Express

Representative specimens were inspected under the scanning electron microscope.

American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

The quality of the nitrated layers were inspected.

Engineering Failure Analysis

Further, algae were inspected for change in color and density.

Applied Water Science

Third, all partly filled signal voids were inspected automatically.

EJNMMI Physics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were inspected" when describing a past action where something was formally or carefully examined. It is particularly useful in passive voice constructions.

Common error

Avoid replacing passive constructions with active ones when the subject performing the inspection is unknown or unimportant. For instance, instead of "The auditor inspected the documents", use "The documents "were inspected"" when the focus is on the documents themselves.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were inspected" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject received the action of inspection. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples where it describes past actions, aligning with its grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

73%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were inspected" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase. It is employed to convey that something underwent a formal or careful examination in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in scientific, news, and formal contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the passive voice aligns with your intent to emphasize the object of inspection rather than the actor. While alternatives like "were examined" or "were checked" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance. Overall, "were inspected" is a reliable and versatile phrase for describing past examinations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were examined

Focuses on a detailed observation or investigation.

were checked

Suggests a quick verification process.

were scrutinized

Implies a very careful and critical inspection.

were reviewed

Highlights a formal assessment or evaluation.

were assessed

Emphasizes the evaluation of value or quality.

were audited

Indicates a systematic review, often financial.

were surveyed

Suggests a broad overview or general examination.

were monitored

Highlights ongoing observation for changes or issues.

were investigated

Implies a deeper inquiry into a matter.

were assessed

Implies a systematic evaluation.

FAQs

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

Use "were inspected" to describe something that underwent a formal or careful examination in the past. For example, "The packages "were inspected" by security personnel".

What are some alternatives to "were inspected"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "were examined", "were checked", or "were reviewed".

Is it better to use "were inspected" in active or passive voice?

The choice depends on the context. "Were inspected" is passive, suitable when the object of inspection is more important than the inspector. Active voice (e.g., "inspectors inspected") is better when emphasizing who did the inspection.

What is the difference between "were inspected" and "were checked"?

"Were inspected" suggests a thorough and careful examination, while "were checked" implies a quicker, less detailed verification.