were lessened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were lessened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been reduced or diminished in intensity or degree in the past. Example: "The effects of the medication were lessened after a few weeks of use."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Output per worker increased, and working hours were lessened.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After 1900 the formalities of marriage were lessened and parental control over it curtailed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We stopped when it looked like we might lose people whose responsibilities were lessened," Mr. Tortelli said.

The New York Times

Though they died within months, many of the patients' symptoms were lessened by the treatment, Robert Crease wrote in "Making Physics," a history of the laboratory.

The New York Times

"We agreed on most of the action handed down by him," said Watson, like Robinson a former major leaguer, "and we were in agreement when they were lessened by the appeals process.

The New York Times - Sports

Gains from price increases for newsprint, coated paper and lumber were lessened by costs to convert a mill in Catawba, S.C., from making newsprint to a more expensive paper used in magazines.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

That risk can be lessened by surveillance.

The Economist

Runoff, which collects harmful pollutants, is lessened.

The New York Times

The risk to our soldiers was lessened.

The New York Times

How can this problem be lessened?

The Guardian

Every piece here is lessened by comparison.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "diminished" or "reduced" for varied writing, but maintain the appropriate level of formality. Synonyms like "alleviated", "mitigated" might work better when negative effects were lessened.

Common error

Avoid using "were lessened" when an active voice construction is more appropriate. Incorrect: "The company were lessened the regulations". Correct: "The company lessened the regulations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were lessened" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something experienced a reduction. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts, demonstrating its versatility and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were lessened" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, predominantly in the passive voice, to convey that something experienced a reduction in the past. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and versatile in various contexts. The phrase is common in news, scientific literature, and general writing. While synonyms like "were reduced" or "were diminished" can offer variety, it's important to maintain clarity and contextual accuracy. Avoiding misuse by ensuring proper subject-verb agreement and choosing active voice when appropriate will enhance writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were diminished

Emphasizes a gradual reduction in size, extent, or importance. It's a direct synonym, offering a slightly more formal tone.

were reduced

Indicates a decrease in amount, size, or intensity. It's a general synonym applicable in various contexts.

were decreased

Implies a measurable reduction in quantity or degree. It's a straightforward and neutral synonym.

were alleviated

Focuses on the lessening of pain, suffering, or difficulty, suggesting a sense of relief.

were mitigated

Highlights the act of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something. Often used in formal contexts.

were eased

Emphasizes a reduction in tension, pressure, or difficulty. It suggests a smoothing or facilitating effect.

were curtailed

Suggests a restriction or limitation imposed on something, leading to a reduction. It implies a deliberate act of shortening or limiting.

were softened

Implies a decrease in harshness, severity, or intensity. It suggests a gentler or more moderate effect.

saw a decline

Shifts the focus to the observation of a decreasing trend, rather than the action of reducing. It offers a slightly more detached perspective.

underwent a reduction

Highlights the process of reduction as something that was experienced. It is a more formal and descriptive alternative.

FAQs

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

Use "were lessened" to describe a past reduction in something, such as: "The side effects of the medication "were lessened" after a dosage adjustment".

What are some alternatives to "were lessened"?

Alternatives include phrases like "were reduced", "were diminished", or "were alleviated", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was lessened" instead of "were lessened"?

No, "was lessened" is used for singular subjects, while "were lessened" is used for plural subjects. For example, "The burden was lessened", but "The burdens "were lessened"".

What is the difference between "were lessened" and "had lessened"?

"Were lessened" indicates a state or condition in the past, while "had lessened" indicates an action completed before a specific time in the past. For instance, "The impact "were lessened" by the intervention" (state), versus "The impact had lessened by the time the intervention was implemented" (action completed before a time).