were merged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were merged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of combining two or more entities into one, typically in a past context. Example: "The two companies were merged to create a more competitive organization in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sessions were merged.

Independent

So the concepts were merged.

The New York Times

The party and the mission were merged.

The New York Times - Arts

The two suits were merged for trial.

The New York Times

Many municipalities around Greenland were merged.

The Guardian

So, naturally enough, the projects were merged.

The Guardian

These nodes were merged into single clusters.

Nature

Data sets were merged to assess concordance.

Appetite

About 10 years ago, the two sites were merged.

The New York Times - Tech

Data were merged with AIDSVU data on HIV cases.

Stanford University

The two cases were merged and tried in 1940.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a formal combination of entities, use "were merged" to convey a structured and official union. This phrase is suitable for describing mergers of companies, departments, or data sets.

Common error

Avoid using "were merged" when an active voice is more appropriate. For instance, instead of "The companies were merged by the board", a clearer and more direct sentence would be "The board merged the companies."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were merged" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject underwent the action of being combined or integrated. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a standard construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

39%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were merged" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase that describes the combination of two or more entities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a common construction. It is most frequently found in science and news publications and has a neutral register making it appropriate for a wide range of contexts. When using "were merged", consider whether active voice might be more direct and ensure its use accurately reflects the intended level of integration. Consider alternatives such as "were combined", "were integrated" or "were unified" to find the best fit for specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were combined

This alternative focuses on the action of joining two or more things together, emphasizing the resulting unity.

were integrated

This suggests a more thorough blending or assimilation of elements into a unified system.

were unified

This implies a bringing together into a single, cohesive whole, often highlighting harmony or agreement.

were amalgamated

This suggests a merging or uniting, often of organizations or groups, into a larger entity.

were consolidated

This focuses on strengthening or reinforcing something by combining elements, often to improve efficiency.

were fused

This implies a close and often inseparable union, as if melted together.

were joined

This is a simple and direct way of stating that two or more things have been connected.

were linked

This emphasizes the connection or relationship between elements, suggesting a chain or series.

were blended

This suggests a smooth mixing or integration of elements, often with the aim of creating a harmonious result.

were incorporated

This emphasizes the inclusion of something as part of a larger whole, often with the implication of permanence.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were merged" is used to indicate that two or more things have been combined into one. For example, "The two departments "were merged" to improve efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "were merged"?

Alternatives to "were merged" include "were combined", "were integrated", or "were unified". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

Whether to use active or passive voice depends on the context. "The companies merged" (active) emphasizes the companies themselves. "The companies were merged" (passive) focuses on the action and may de-emphasize the actor.

What is the difference between "were merged" and "were combined"?

While both imply joining two or more things, "were merged" suggests a more thorough blending or integration than "were combined". Merging often implies a complete and seamless union.