were inspired by

USAGE SUMMARY

"were inspired by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that one person or thing was influenced by another. For example, "The new inventions were inspired by the work of famous scientists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We were inspired by neo-noir movies.

The New York Times

We were inspired by each other.

Independent

And Jo's politics were inspired by love.

The Guardian

They were inspired by bikers, prostitutes, fetishists.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some ideas were inspired by the actors.

The New York Times - Arts

Three were inspired by mathematical ideas.

The New York Times - Arts

The colors were inspired by Shaker paints.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

I am inspired by it.

Independent

I was inspired by that.

The New Yorker

I'm inspired by that.

Independent

"I was inspired by Santo".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were inspired by", clearly identify both the subject that was inspired and the source of inspiration to provide clarity and context for your readers.

Common error

Avoid using "were inspired by" without specifying what exactly was inspiring. Unclear attribution weakens the statement and leaves readers wondering about the source of influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were inspired by" functions as a passive construction indicating the source of influence or motivation for a particular subject. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were inspired by" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something or someone served as the creative stimulus or guiding influence for something else. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various contexts, confirming its broad applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure both the subject and source of inspiration are clearly identified. Alternatives such as "were influenced by" or "drew inspiration from" offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were influenced by

Focuses more directly on the act of being affected or changed by something.

were motivated by

Emphasizes the internal drive or reason for action resulting from something.

were stimulated by

Highlights the effect of something that incites or excites action or thought.

drew inspiration from

Highlights the act of taking an idea or motivation from a source.

were derived from

Implies a more direct and traceable origin or source.

were shaped by

Suggests a formative influence that determined the final form or character.

were informed by

Indicates that something provided knowledge or context that influenced the outcome.

were guided by

Emphasizes the role of something in directing or leading a course of action.

were impacted by

Highlights the effect, often significant, that something had on a person or thing.

were affected by

Focuses on the general influence or consequence of something.

FAQs

How can I use "were inspired by" in a sentence?

Use "were inspired by" to indicate that someone or something has influenced the creation, development, or direction of something else. For example, "The paintings "were inspired by" the artist's travels in Italy".

What is a good alternative to "were inspired by"?

Alternatives include "were influenced by", "drew inspiration from", or "were motivated by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "were inspired by" or "took inspiration from"?

Both phrases are correct, but "were inspired by" emphasizes the passive reception of influence, while "took inspiration from" suggests a more active and deliberate process of seeking and using inspiration.

What does it mean when something is "inspired by" another thing?

When something is "inspired by" something else, it means that the latter served as a creative stimulus or guiding influence in its creation or development. This influence can range from a direct imitation to a more abstract evocation of themes or ideas.