were installed

USAGE SUMMARY

'were installed' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used in past tense in order to describe something that happened in the past. For example: "The new sound system were installed last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

New elevators were installed.

The New York Times

Electric fans were installed.

The Economist

Smoke alarms were installed.

The New York Times

CCTV cameras were installed.

The Guardian

New rest rooms were installed.

The New Yorker

Wages rose, new machines were installed.

The Economist

Lavish plate glass windows were installed.

The New Yorker

Cameras were installed behind wall panels.

The New Yorker

The sculptures were installed in 1911.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A still and vats were installed.

Cornell University

Filters were installed at midweek.

Building and Environment

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were installed", ensure the subject clearly identifies what items received the installation. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was installed" when referring to multiple items. "Was installed" is singular; use "were installed" for plural subjects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were installed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something (the subject) underwent the action of being installed by an unspecified agent. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in various contexts, confirming this grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were installed" is a passive verb phrase used to describe a completed action of installation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. Its neutral register makes it versatile for various writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure the tense and subject-verb agreement are accurate. Consider alternatives such as "were fitted" or "were placed" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were fitted

This alternative implies a precise or tailored placement, suggesting that the objects were carefully adjusted to fit the space.

were placed

This is a more general term, indicating that something was put in a particular location.

were mounted

This alternative emphasizes the act of fixing something securely to a surface.

were set up

This phrase emphasizes the act of preparing something for use, rather than just placing it.

were implemented

This option emphasizes the action of putting a plan or system into effect, rather than the physical act of placement.

were erected

This suggests a construction or building process, implying that something was built or put up.

were established

This suggests that something was firmly put in place, often implying a sense of permanence.

were constructed

Similar to "were erected", this phrase implies a building process, suggesting that something was built or assembled.

were introduced

This phrase implies that something was newly brought into a system or environment.

were arranged

This option highlights the purposeful placement of items in a specific order or configuration.

FAQs

How to use "were installed" in a sentence?

Use "were installed" to describe a past action where multiple items were set up or connected. For example, "New security cameras "were installed" throughout the building last month".

What's the difference between "were installed" and "was installed"?

"Were installed" is the plural form, used when referring to multiple items. "Was installed" is singular, used when referring to a single item. For example, "The new software "was installed", and the updated drivers "were installed" as well".

Which is a better alternative to "were installed"?

Alternatives include "were fitted", "were placed", or "were set up", depending on the nuance you want to convey. All offer similar meanings.

When is it appropriate to use the passive voice with "were installed"?

Use the passive voice when the action is more important than the actor, or when the actor is unknown. For example, "New windows "were installed" to improve insulation."