were requested

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were requested" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate when something has been asked for in the past. Example: The documents were requested during the investigation.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their papers were requested.

The New Yorker

Jackets for men were requested.

The New York Times

Nine full-size shipping containers were requested.

The New York Times - Arts

The documents provided last night were requested March 25.

The New York Times

He offered no menus and none were requested.

The New York Times

It makes no attempt to explain what papers were requested.

The Guardian - Opinion

Females were requested to use effective contraception.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Radiographs were requested after full correction.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Eleven subjects were requested to walk past nine cameras.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Further measurements and devices were requested by expanding the URL.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

The participants were requested to not directly compare the images.

Progress in Orthodontics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were requested" to maintain a passive voice, shifting the focus from the requester to the object or action being requested. This is particularly useful in formal or scientific writing where objectivity is important.

Common error

Avoid using active voice when the passive voice is more appropriate. For instance, instead of "They requested the documents", use "The documents were requested" when the focus is on the documents themselves rather than who made the request.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were requested" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject received the action of being asked for. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it frequently used to describe documents, actions, or information that someone has formally asked to receive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were requested" is a common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to indicate that something has been formally asked for. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in scientific and news contexts, conveying a neutral to formal tone. Its usage emphasizes the object or action that was requested rather than the requester. While alternatives like "were asked for" exist, "were requested" maintains a slightly more formal register. When using the phrase, ensure that the passive voice is appropriate for the context, keeping the focus on what was being sought.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were asked for

Focuses more directly on the act of asking, emphasizing the initiator of the request.

were needed

Stresses the necessity or importance of fulfilling the request, indicating a requirement.

were called for

Suggests a need or justification for the request, implying it was necessary.

were required

Indicates a mandatory aspect to the request, often due to rules or regulations.

were solicited

Implies a more formal or proactive seeking of something, often involving an invitation or advertisement.

were sought after

Emphasizes the desirability or value of the items or actions being requested.

were demanded

Implies a forceful or authoritative request, suggesting a lack of choice.

were desired

Highlights the wish or longing for something, focusing on the emotional aspect of the request.

were appealed for

Highlights the act of making a plea or earnest request, often in a situation of need.

were petitioned for

Emphasizes a formal request, usually submitted in writing and signed by multiple people.

FAQs

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

Use "were requested" when you want to emphasize that something was asked for, without necessarily focusing on who did the asking. For example, "Additional documents "were requested" after the initial review".

What's the difference between "were requested" and "were asked for"?

While both phrases are similar, "were requested" often carries a slightly more formal tone than "were asked for". You might use "were requested" in a business or academic context, whereas "were asked for" is suitable for more casual situations.

What can I say instead of "were requested" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "were solicited" or "were required", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. Each suggests a different level of formality and necessity.

Is it ever incorrect to use "were requested"?

The phrase "were requested" is generally correct in passive constructions. However, ensure that the context genuinely requires a passive voice. If the actor is important, using an active voice construction might be more appropriate.