were performed

USAGE SUMMARY

"were performed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is the past-tense form of "perform," used when discussing a completed action. Example sentence: The safety inspections were performed yesterday.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His plays were performed.

The Guardian - Books

No tandem transplants were performed.

Stanford University

Three versions were performed here.

The New York Times - Arts

All experiments were performed once.

Nature

Experiments were performed as described1.

Nature

Two technical repeats were performed.

Nature

Simulations were performed using Matlab.

Nature

Four independent experiments were performed.

Nature

Experiments were performed in triplicate.

Nature

Two complementary experiments were performed.

Nature

Cell counts were performed manually.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a series of actions in a formal context, use "were performed" to clearly indicate that these actions have been completed. This phrase is particularly effective in scientific reports, legal documents, and academic papers.

Common error

While "were performed" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing seem vague or indirect. Consider rephrasing sentences to emphasize the actor or agent performing the action for a more direct and engaging style. For example, instead of "Tests were performed by the researchers," you could write "The researchers performed the tests."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were performed" functions as the past passive form of the verb 'perform'. It indicates that certain actions or procedures were completed by an unspecified actor. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

Academia

28%

News & Media

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were performed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, to indicate completed actions or procedures in a passive voice. It's most common in scientific, academic, and formal contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the formality of your writing. Alternatives like "were carried out" or "were conducted" can offer different nuances. While the phrase is valid, avoid overusing passive voice to maintain clear and engaging writing. With 57 examples available, Ludwig provides ample context for effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were carried out

Emphasizes the execution of a task or procedure, similar to "were performed" but with a slightly different connotation of implementation.

were executed

Highlights the successful completion of a task, often with a sense of precision or formality, offering a more decisive tone compared to "were performed".

were conducted

Focuses on the act of leading or managing an activity, such as a survey or experiment. Shifts the emphasis slightly from the action to the management of it.

were implemented

Indicates the putting into effect of a plan or system. It is more specific and appropriate when discussing the application of a policy or strategy.

took place

Simply states that an event happened, which is less specific than "were performed", lacking the implication of deliberate action.

were undertaken

Implies that something was started or attempted, with the connotation of seriousness of a planned endeavor.

were enacted

Suggests the formal passage or establishment of something, like a law or rule, adding a legal or official dimension.

were completed

Focuses solely on the finish of a task, emphasizing the achievement of a goal or the end of a process.

were achieved

Emphasizes the successful completion of a task, highlighting the accomplishment of a goal or objective.

were realized

Indicates that something was brought into existence or made real, suggesting a transformation from potential to actual.

FAQs

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

You can use "were performed" to describe actions or tasks that have been completed. For example, "The experiments "were performed" in triplicate" or "All necessary safety checks "were performed" before the operation".

What are some alternatives to "were performed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "were carried out", "were conducted", or "were executed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "were performed" formal or informal?

"Were performed" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, scientific, or professional contexts. It is less common in casual conversation.

What is the difference between "were performed" and "were done"?

While both phrases indicate that actions have been completed, ""were performed"" is more formal and suggests a deliberate, often skilled, action. "were done" is more general and can apply to a wider range of actions, both formal and informal.