were procured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were procured" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to items or resources that have been obtained or acquired, typically in a formal or business context. Example: "The necessary materials were procured from various suppliers to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sticking plasters were procured.

The New Yorker

Weapons were procured.

The New York Times

Thousands of plastic ponchos were procured to keep costumes and volunteers dry.

The Guardian - Sport

Eight automotive journalists took part, and nine test cars were procured.

The New York Times

The rights were procured for $5,000 from Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records.

The New York Times

Most of these were procured from dealers in Dutchess or Columbia Counties.

The New York Times

It was granted £17.3m by the Education Funding Agency and building contracts were procured.

The Guardian

The bone samples were procured by drilling.

Heritage Science

They were procured from U.S.A. market.

Chemistry Central Journal

The media components were procured from HiMedia, Mumbai (India).

AMB Express

Triglyceride and total cholesterol kits were procured from Span Diagnostics.

Chemistry Central Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were procured" when you want to emphasize a formal or official process of obtaining something, often involving specific procedures or requirements.

Common error

Avoid using "were procured" in informal or casual situations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "were bought" or "were obtained" to maintain a natural and appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were procured" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that an action (procuring) was performed on a subject, rather than the subject performing the action itself. As Ludwig shows, it is commonly used in describing how resources or items were acquired.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were procured" is a passive verb phrase used to describe the formal or official acquisition of something. Ludwig highlights that it's commonly found in science, news, and business contexts. While grammatically correct, avoid using it in informal settings. Consider alternatives like "were obtained" or "were acquired" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and correct in written English, typically referring to items or resources that have been obtained or acquired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were obtained

Focuses on the act of getting or acquiring something, similar to procuring but with a slightly broader application.

were acquired

Emphasizes the process of gaining possession, often suggesting a more formal or official transaction.

were secured

Highlights the effort and certainty involved in obtaining something, implying a sense of protection or guarantee.

were purchased

Specifically refers to obtaining something through buying, narrowing the scope to a financial transaction.

were attained

Suggests achieving or reaching a desired outcome, implying a level of effort and success.

were furnished

Implies that something was provided or supplied, often in the context of equipment or resources.

were supplied

Emphasizes the act of providing something needed, usually by an external source.

were arranged

Focuses on the organization and preparation involved in getting something ready or available.

were collected

Highlights the gathering or assembling of multiple items, suggesting a process of accumulation.

were appropriated

Suggests formally setting aside something for a specific purpose, often in a legal or administrative context.

FAQs

How is "were procured" typically used in a sentence?

"Were procured" is used to describe items or resources that have been formally obtained or acquired, often through a specific process. For example, "The necessary supplies "were procured" from various vendors."

What are some alternatives to "were procured"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "were obtained", "were acquired", or "were secured". Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "were procured" instead of "were bought"?

"Were procured" is more appropriate when emphasizing a formal or official acquisition process, whereas "were bought" simply indicates a purchase. If items were purchased through a formal bidding process, using ""were procured"" is more fitting.

Is there a difference between "were procured" and "were sourced"?

"Were procured" suggests a completed process of obtaining something, while "were sourced" implies identifying and selecting the origin or supplier. The former focuses on the final acquisition, and the latter on the initial selection.