were instituted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were instituted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was established or set in place in the past, often referring to rules, systems, or organizations. Example: "New regulations were instituted to improve safety standards in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

All protocol changes were instituted after obtaining institutional review board approval.

Diabetes Care

Sanitation improvements were instituted in border markets, schools, institutions, and mass gatherings.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Lessons were instituted.

The New York Times

Reforms were instituted.

The New York Times

Power cuts were instituted and factories closed.

The Guardian

-What major policies or programs were instituted by this leader?

The New York Times

Nevertheless, market-wide U.S. circuit breakers were instituted in 1988.

The New Yorker

The new security clearances were instituted after Sept. 11, 2001.

The New York Times

When these measures were instituted, communities across the country resisted.

The New Yorker

During his rule, far-reaching reforms were instituted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nonetheless, austerity measures were instituted, including cuts in public services.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were instituted", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being established. For example, "New safety protocols were instituted" is clearer than "Changes were instituted."

Common error

Avoid using "were instituted" in contexts where the actor is unclear. Passive voice can obscure who implemented the changes. If possible, rephrase to use active voice for clarity: "The council instituted new regulations" instead of "New regulations were instituted."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were instituted" functions as a passive voice construction. It is used to indicate that a particular action, typically the establishment or implementation of something such as a rule, policy, or system, has been performed. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

31%

Science

36%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were instituted" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction to indicate the establishment or implementation of something, like a rule or policy. According to Ludwig AI, it's a valid and useful phrase in written English.

It is commonly found in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, reflecting its formal and objective tone. When using "were instituted", clarity is key; ensure the subject is clear about what is being established. While correct, using the active voice can sometimes improve clarity.

Alternatives such as "were established" or "were implemented" can provide slight variations in meaning, depending on the specific context. Ultimately, "were instituted" serves as a reliable and informative way to communicate that something has been formally put into effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were established

This alternative emphasizes the act of setting up or founding something, highlighting the beginning or creation of a system or organization.

were implemented

This alternative focuses on the practical application or execution of a plan, policy, or procedure.

were introduced

This suggests the bringing forth or presentation of something new, like a law or a concept.

were enacted

This term is often used in legal or formal contexts to describe the formal passing of a law or regulation.

were brought into effect

This alternative emphasizes the operational aspect of putting something into action or making it functional.

were put in place

This highlights the act of positioning or arranging something for a specific purpose or function.

were adopted

This suggests a conscious decision to accept and use something, like a method or technology.

were initiated

This emphasizes the commencement or start of a process or action.

were commenced

Similar to 'initiated', this highlights the formal beginning of an action or process.

were set up

This is a more informal way of saying something was established, often referring to systems or organizations.

FAQs

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

"Were instituted" indicates that something has been formally established or put into effect. For example, "New policies "were instituted" to address the issue."

What can I say instead of "were instituted"?

You can use alternatives like "were established", "were implemented", or "were introduced" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "institute"?

While "were instituted" (passive) is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "The committee instituted the changes") can often provide more clarity about who or what performed the action.

What's the difference between "were instituted" and "were implemented"?

While both suggest putting something into effect, ""were instituted"" often implies a more formal or official establishment, while "were implemented" focuses more on the practical application or execution.