were not advised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were not advised" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone did not receive information or guidance about a particular matter. Example: "The participants were not advised of the schedule change until the last minute."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

They were not advised of their consular rights, Arizona officials acknowledged many years after their incarceration.

The New York Times

The Hes say they were not advised to hire their own lawyer.

The New York Times

Ms Majumdar added: "We were not advised by regulators to stop the trials".

Independent

The Minasians were not advised about any of these matters, Mr. Zamansky said.

The New York Times

It is understood that easyJet passengers were also affected but were not advised to leave without their baggage.

The Guardian

The crew of flight TOM 476 landed the plane safely and passengers were not advised of the incident, which occurred on 23 August.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

We weren't advised to reach for the scalpel".

BBC

Sample tip, kosher poultry is sold already salted, so brining is not advised: koshereye.com.

The New York Times - Food

VTE prophylaxis is not advised.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

This practice is not advised.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Extensive or non-targeted search is not advised however.

Resource and Energy Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were not advised", ensure the context clearly identifies who was not advised and about what. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "was not advised" when referring to a plural subject. Ensure the verb "were" agrees with plural subjects. For example, use "the students were not advised" instead of "the students was not advised".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were not advised" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone did not receive counsel, information, or guidance. It's commonly used to highlight a lack of instruction or warning about a particular matter, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were not advised" is a commonly used and grammatically correct passive construction that indicates a lack of information or guidance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a versatile phrase applicable across various contexts, particularly in scientific and news reporting. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the subject and the unadvised matter is essential. While alternatives like "were not informed" exist, the specific nuance of "were not advised" emphasizes the absence of counsel or recommendations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were not informed

Focuses on the lack of information received, rather than the absence of counsel.

were not notified

Implies a formal or official lack of communication.

were not told

A more direct and simple way of saying information was withheld.

did not receive guidance

Emphasizes the absence of direction or recommendations.

were not counselled

Highlights the lack of professional advice or support.

were not alerted

Suggests a failure to warn about a potential risk or issue.

were kept in the dark

Indicates a deliberate withholding of information.

were not briefed

Implies a lack of formal instruction or preparation.

were not given instructions

Focuses on the absence of specific orders or directions.

were not educated

Stresses the lack of knowledge or training provided.

FAQs

What does "were not advised" mean?

The phrase "were not advised" means that someone did not receive information, guidance, or recommendations about a particular matter. It indicates a lack of counsel or instruction.

How can I use "were not advised" in a sentence?

You can use "were not advised" to indicate that someone didn't receive guidance. For example, "The patients "were not advised" to discontinue taking analgesics". This means the patients received no instruction to stop taking their medication.

What are some alternatives to "were not advised"?

Some alternatives include "were not informed", "were not notified", or "were not told". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "were not advised" and "were not recommended"?

"Were not advised" implies a lack of counsel or guidance, while "were not recommended" indicates that a particular course of action was not suggested as beneficial or suitable. Both suggest something didn't happen, but the reasons might differ.