were repaired

USAGE SUMMARY

"were repaired" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been fixed or made whole again, typically after being damaged or broken. For example: "The broken window was repaired yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Repaired columns were repaired and tested in sequential order from Column 1-R to 5-R).

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

The old buildings were repaired.

The New York Times - Arts

Metal-framed windows were repaired or replaced.

The New York Times

The problems were repaired, records indicate.

The New York Times

Levees were repaired along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.

The Washington Post

Railway junctions, apparently obliterated, were repaired within days.

The Guardian

The wicker chairs were repaired and painted white.

The New York Times

Cracks were repaired with epoxy and fiberglass reinforcing.

The New York Times

Three persistent leaks were repaired successfully on the second attempt.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Along the Rhine, weaknesses revealed by Civilis' revolt were repaired.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But if it were repaired, I would wear it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were repaired", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what was fixed or restored to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "were repair" as it is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "were repaired", using the past participle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were repaired" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject received the action of being fixed or restored. This construction is commonly used when the actor performing the repair is unknown or less important than the object being repaired. As Ludwig AI explains it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were repaired" is a very common and grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to indicate that something has been fixed or restored. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely applicable. It is most frequently found in scientific, news, and academic contexts. While synonymous alternatives such as "were fixed" and "were restored" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use "were repaired" with plural subjects, and avoid the incorrect form "were repair". This phrase is an important tool for expressing completed actions of restoration across various registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were fixed

This alternative is a more straightforward and common synonym for "were repaired".

were restored

This alternative suggests a return to a former, better condition, implying a more extensive renewal than a simple repair.

were mended

This alternative is often used for smaller, less significant repairs, particularly of fabric or clothing.

were renovated

This alternative implies a more comprehensive update or modernization, rather than just fixing what was broken.

were rebuilt

This alternative suggests that something was completely reconstructed, often after being destroyed or severely damaged.

were corrected

This alternative focuses on the removal of errors or defects, rather than physical damage.

were adjusted

This alternative implies a minor change to improve functionality or performance.

were rectified

This alternative suggests making something right or just, often in a more formal or abstract context.

were overhauled

This alternative implies a thorough examination and repair, often of machinery or systems.

were remediated

This alternative is often used in environmental contexts, referring to the cleanup of contaminated sites.

FAQs

How to use "were repaired" in a sentence?

Use "were repaired" to describe something that has been fixed or restored to a functional state. For example, "The roads "were repaired" after the storm".

What can I say instead of "were repaired"?

You can use alternatives like "were fixed", "were restored", or "were mended" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "were repaired" or "was repaired"?

"Were repaired" is used for plural subjects, while "was repaired" is used for singular subjects. For example, "The cars were repaired" versus "The car was repaired".

What's the difference between "were repaired" and "were refurbished"?

"Were repaired" implies fixing something that was broken or damaged, while "were refurbished" suggests improving the appearance or functionality of something, often through cleaning or minor updates.