were mentioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were mentioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been previously stated or referred to in a conversation or text. Example: "In the meeting, several important points were mentioned that need further discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Cadillacs were mentioned.

The Economist

Notables present were mentioned.

The New Yorker

No names were mentioned.

The New Yorker

Academies were mentioned once.

The Guardian - Opinion

No figures were mentioned.

The New York Times

Rods and cones were mentioned.

The Guardian - Tech

Horses were mentioned, and sheep.

The Guardian - Travel

"They were mentioned, nothing more.

The Guardian - Sport

No disabled veterans were mentioned.

The New York Times

Beanbags were mentioned; so was cotton.

The New York Times - Magazine

For obvious reasons, no names were mentioned.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were mentioned", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what did the mentioning. Providing context enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "were mentioned" without specifying the subject. Instead of saying "mistakes were mentioned", specify who mentioned the mistakes, such as "The consultant mentioned several mistakes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were mentioned" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject received mention. Ludwig shows it's a common way to express that something was referenced without specifying who did the mentioning, focusing instead on the subject that was mentioned.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

57%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were mentioned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction to indicate that something was referenced or brought up. According to Ludwig, it's particularly common in news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing sufficient context about what was mentioned. While it is versatile, it's important to be aware of the nuances it brings as a passive construction. Consider alternatives like "were referenced" or "were noted" to diversify your writing. Also, avoid vagueness by specifying who or what did the mentioning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were referenced

Focuses on the act of referring to something, often in a more formal or academic context.

were noted

Emphasizes that something was observed or taken into account.

were brought up

A more informal way of saying something was introduced into the conversation.

were cited

Implies that something was quoted or used as evidence.

were talked about

A general way of saying something was discussed.

were alluded to

Suggests an indirect or subtle reference.

were addressed

Indicates that something was dealt with or discussed directly.

were touched upon

Indicates a brief or light discussion of a topic.

were identified

Focuses on the recognition or pinpointing of specific items or issues.

were named

Highlights the act of giving something a name or label.

FAQs

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

Use "were mentioned" to indicate that certain items or topics were brought up in a conversation or document. For example, "Several concerns "were mentioned" during the meeting".

What are some alternatives to saying "were mentioned"?

You can use alternatives like "were referenced", "were noted", or "were touched upon" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when "were mentioned" is involved?

While "were mentioned" is in the passive voice, whether to use active or passive depends on the context. Use passive when the actor is unknown or unimportant, and active when the actor is crucial. For example, "The committee mentioned the issues" (active) versus "The issues "were mentioned" by the committee" (passive).

What's the difference between "were mentioned" and "were discussed"?

"Were mentioned" implies a brief or passing reference, while "were discussed" suggests a more in-depth conversation. Use "were discussed" when the topic was examined in detail.