Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
were recorded
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "were recorded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about something that has been documented, such as a fact or other information. For example, "The results of the experiment were recorded in the report."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(20)
have been restricted
participated recorded
were documented
began recorded
have been recognised
have been registered
were registered
described recorded
members recorded
were noted
have been cataloged
maybe recorded
considered recorded
have been inscribed
were listed
have been enrolled
have been represented
become recorded
have been inserted
well recorded
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
Their conversations were recorded.
News & Media
Seven deaths were recorded.
News & Media
were recorded.
Science
Pulmonary complications were recorded.
Demographic data were recorded.
No mortalities were recorded.
Science
orbicularis oculi were recorded.
Science
The results were recorded.
Science
Operative details were recorded.
Science
Moreover, electrocardiograms were recorded.
All interviews were recorded.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "were recorded" when you want to emphasize that something has been officially documented or captured for future reference. This is particularly useful in scientific reports, news articles, and legal documents.
Common error
Avoid using "was recorded" when referring to multiple subjects. "Was recorded" is singular; use "were recorded" for plural subjects to maintain grammatical accuracy.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "were recorded" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence received the action of being recorded. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in written English.
Frequent in
Science
76%
News & Media
20%
Formal & Business
4%
Less common in
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "were recorded" is a grammatically correct and very common passive verb phrase used to indicate that something has been officially documented or captured. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for a variety of contexts, especially in scientific and news reporting. When using "were recorded", ensure that the subject is plural to maintain grammatical accuracy. Alternatives such as ""were documented"" or "were registered" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is particularly prevalent in formal writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
were documented
Focuses on the act of documenting, emphasizing a formal and systematic record.
were registered
Implies an official recording, often with legal or administrative significance.
were logged
Commonly used in technical contexts to describe the automated recording of events.
were captured
Suggests the act of seizing or obtaining a record, often in audio or visual format.
were archived
Highlights the long-term preservation of records for historical or future reference.
were noted
Implies a simple recording of information, often without the formality of documentation.
were transcribed
Specifically refers to the conversion of audio or spoken words into written form.
were cataloged
Emphasizes the systematic listing and organization of records for easy retrieval.
were preserved
Highlights efforts to maintain records in their original condition for posterity.
were memorialized
Implies creating a lasting record to honor or remember someone or something.
FAQs
How can I use "were recorded" in a sentence?
You can use "were recorded" to indicate that data, events, or information have been documented. For example, "The experiment results "were documented" carefully", or "The conversations "were captured" for later analysis".
What are some alternatives to saying "were recorded"?
Depending on the context, you could use phrases like ""were documented"", "were registered", or "were logged". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it correct to say "was recorded" instead of "were recorded"?
No, "was recorded" is for singular subjects, while "were recorded" is for plural subjects. For example, "The conversation was recorded", but "The conversations "were recorded"".
What's the difference between "were recorded" and "had been recorded"?
"Were recorded" indicates a simple past passive action. "Had been recorded" indicates a past perfect passive action, suggesting the recording happened before another point in the past. For instance, "The data "were recorded" yesterday", versus "The data had been recorded before the analysis began".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested