were linked to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were linked to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a connection or relationship between two or more entities, often in the context of research, studies, or findings. Example: "The results of the study showed that the symptoms were linked to a specific environmental factor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Three deaths were linked to Lotronex use.

The New York Times

The 898 people were linked to one initial infected patient.

The Guardian

The policy challenges were linked to this failure of imagination.

The New York Times

They were linked to testicular damage, miscarriages and birth defects.

The New York Times

The H5N1 bird flu infections were linked to poultry markets.

The Guardian

Most of the rejected shipments were linked to drug residues.

The New York Times

She believes the arrests were linked to Westgate.

The Guardian

The bank accounts were linked to Said and other middlemen.

The Guardian

Other sites were linked to as well.

TechCrunch

were linked to the detrital fraction.

Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering

Four noiseless push-buttons were linked to a computer.

European Transport Research Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were linked to", ensure that the connection between the subjects is clear and supported by evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "were linked to" when the relationship is speculative or based on weak evidence. Use phrases like "might be linked to" or "are possibly associated with" to convey uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were linked to" functions as a passive voice construction used to indicate a connection, association, or relationship between two or more entities. Ludwig examples show it connecting causes and effects, or items and their origins. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were linked to" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate a connection or relationship between two or more elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and utilized in both scientific and journalistic contexts. While "were linked to" is appropriate for formal writing, it's crucial to ensure that the connection is clearly supported by evidence, avoiding overstatements when the relationship is speculative. Alternatives such as "were associated with" or "were connected to" can be used to add nuance to your writing. Remember to use "were linked to" when you want to establish a clear, supported relationship between different entities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were associated with

This alternative uses a more general term to indicate a connection.

were connected to

This alternative uses a more direct term to indicate a physical or logical link.

were related to

This alternative emphasizes a relationship or correlation between items.

were tied to

This alternative suggests a strong, almost inseparable connection.

were attributed to

This alternative indicates that something is believed to be the cause or origin.

were ascribed to

This alternative suggests assigning a quality or cause to something.

were correlated with

This alternative indicates a statistical relationship between variables.

were implicated in

This alternative suggests involvement in a negative or complex situation.

stemmed from

This alternative specifies that something originated from something else.

originated from

This alternative emphasizes the point of origin or beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "were linked to" in a sentence?

Use "were linked to" to show a connection or relationship between two or more things. For example, "The study showed that the symptoms "were linked to" a specific environmental factor."

What are some alternatives to "were linked to"?

You can use alternatives such as "were associated with", "were connected to", or "were related to" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "were linked to" in formal writing?

Yes, "were linked to" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in scientific, academic, and journalistic contexts where clear connections need to be established.

How does "were linked to" differ from "caused by"?

"Were linked to" indicates a relationship or association, while "caused by" implies a direct causal relationship. "The increase in sales "were linked to" the marketing campaign" suggests a correlation. "The illness was caused by a virus" indicates direct causation.