were nominated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were nominated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to individuals or groups that have been put forward for a position, award, or recognition in the past. Example: "The candidates were nominated for their outstanding contributions to the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nominations: Bitchney and The Beast were nominated.

Huffington Post

Five pictures were nominated.

The New Yorker

Three were nominated.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Fifty airports were nominated.

The New York Times

Both were nominated for Oscars.

The Guardian - Film

(Both men were nominated for Oscars).

The New York Times

They also were nominated for "Transformers" (2007).

The New York Times

Three were nominated for directing Emmys.

The New York Times - Arts

"And two sisters were nominated," he continued.

The New Yorker

Both were nominated for Academy Awards.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All three were nominated for Oscars.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were nominated", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific role, award, or position for which the subject was nominated. Providing this detail enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was nominated" when referring to multiple subjects. "Were nominated" is for plural subjects, while "was nominated" is for singular subjects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were nominated" serves as a passive verb phrase indicating that a subject (individual or group) has been formally proposed as a candidate for a particular position, award, or role. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in contexts where the subject receives the action of nomination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were nominated" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase that indicates a formal proposal for candidacy. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal communications. When using this phrase, ensure the subject-verb agreement is correct (plural subjects require "were"). Consider using alternatives such as "were selected" or "were chosen" to add nuance to your writing. This phrase is widely applicable across different levels of formality, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employing it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were selected

Focuses on the act of choosing from a larger group, rather than the initial act of suggesting someone.

were chosen

Emphasizes the final decision-making process of picking candidates.

were put forward

Highlights the act of presenting candidates for consideration.

were proposed

Stresses the suggestion aspect of nominating someone.

were designated

Implies a formal assignment or naming to a specific role or position.

were appointed

Suggests a formal selection, typically by an authority.

were named

Highlights the act of publicly announcing a nomination.

were shortlisted

Indicates candidates who have passed an initial selection stage.

were entered

Implies the action of including someone into a competition or list.

were recommended

Focuses on the endorsement aspect of the nomination process.

FAQs

What does "were nominated" mean?

The phrase "were nominated" means that individuals or entities have been formally proposed as candidates for a specific role, award, or position. It signifies the act of suggesting someone for consideration.

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

You can use "were nominated" to describe past nominations, such as: "The candidates "were nominated" for their contributions." Ensure the subject is plural to match the verb "were".

What are some alternatives to "were nominated"?

Alternatives include "were selected", "were chosen", or "were put forward", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the nomination process.

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

The correct verb form depends on the subject's number. Use "was nominated" for a singular subject (e.g., "He was nominated"), and "were nominated" for plural subjects (e.g., "They "were nominated"").