were scheduled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were scheduled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was planned or arranged to happen at a specific time in the past. Example: "The meetings were scheduled for every Tuesday at 10 AM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No future discussions were scheduled.

The New York Times

No further talks were scheduled.

The New York Times - Sports

No new talks were scheduled.

The New York Times

No new negotiations were scheduled.

The New York Times

Negotiations were scheduled to resume on Monday.

The New York Times

The first operations were scheduled for Sunday.

The New York Times - Health

Arraignments were scheduled for tomorrow.

The New York Times

Poker tournaments and special shows were scheduled.

The New York Times

Elections were scheduled for May 17 , 1999

Encyclopedia Britannica

Parliamentary elections were scheduled for April 2005.

Encyclopedia Britannica

New elections were scheduled for January 2003.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were scheduled", ensure the subject clearly identifies what events or actions are being planned. This helps maintain a logical flow and avoids confusion for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "were scheduled" when referring to ongoing or current events. "Are scheduled" is more appropriate for future or current plans, while "were scheduled" indicates past arrangements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were scheduled" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence underwent the action of being scheduled. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show it applied to various subjects like meetings, elections, and operations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were scheduled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase that clearly communicates the planning and timing of past events. As Ludwig AI confirms, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedia articles. When writing, ensure the subject and tense align correctly to avoid confusion, and consider alternatives like "were planned" or "were arranged" for nuanced meaning. By understanding its function, purpose, and common contexts, you can effectively use "were scheduled" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were planned

Emphasizes the planning aspect of the arrangement.

were arranged

Highlights the act of organizing or making arrangements.

were slated

Indicates that events were put on a schedule or list.

were set to occur

Focuses on the future happening of the events.

were programmed

Suggests a more structured or automated planning process.

were timed

Highlights the coordination of events to happen at specific times.

had been agreed upon

Highlights the element of consensus or agreement before something was scheduled

were fixed

Implies an unchangeable arrangement

were designated

Focuses on the act of assigning or specifying a time

were put down for

Indicates a less formal, almost casual arrangement

FAQs

How do I use "were scheduled" in a sentence?

Use "were scheduled" to indicate that events or activities were planned to occur at a specific time in the past. For example, "The meetings "were scheduled" for every Tuesday."

What can I say instead of "were scheduled"?

Alternatives include "were planned", "were arranged", or "were slated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "were scheduled" or "are scheduled"?

"Were scheduled" is used for past events, while "are scheduled" is used for future or present events. For example, "The conferences "were scheduled" last year," but "The conferences "are scheduled" for next month."

What's the difference between "were scheduled" and "had been scheduled"?

"Were scheduled" implies a simple past arrangement. "Had been scheduled" implies an arrangement made in the past, prior to another point in the past. For example, "The meeting "was scheduled" for Friday," versus "The meeting "had been scheduled" for Friday, but it was canceled."