were sent back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were sent back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action where something or someone was returned to a previous location or state, often after being sent away. Example: "The documents were sent back to the sender due to an incorrect address."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most were sent back.

The New York Times

They were sent back on indefinite loan.

The New York Times - Arts

Last month about 500 Acehnese were sent back.

The Economist

Soon afterward, they were sent back to Uzbekistan.

The New Yorker

They were sent back to the gas chambers.

Independent

Others were sent back to their native countries.

Independent

Three Aston Villa fans were sent back from Ostend.

The Guardian

Last June the tapestries were sent back to the Frick.

The New York Times - Arts

Most of the injured were sent back to their homes after treatment.

The New York Times

Those were sent back to the lower court for a determination using the appeals court standard.

The New York Times - Arts

Twice they were sent back because the temperature was still above the 90-degree limit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were sent back" to clearly indicate that something or someone was returned to its origin, often after being dispatched or moved elsewhere.

Common error

Avoid using "was sent back" when referring to multiple subjects. "Were sent back" is the correct plural form. For example, say "The documents were sent back", not "The documents was sent back".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were sent back" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject received the action of being returned. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, supported by numerous examples illustrating its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were sent back" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that describes the return of something or someone to a previous location or state. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. When writing, remember to use the correct plural form and consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate alternative if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were returned

Implies a simple return to the origin, lacking the nuance of being dispatched.

were dispatched back

Suggests a formal or organized return, often involving official orders or arrangements.

were shipped back

Specifically denotes the return of goods or items via a shipping service.

were redirected

Highlights a change in course or direction, leading to a return to a previous point.

were transported back

Emphasizes the physical act of moving something or someone back to a prior location.

were directed back

Focuses on the act of guiding or instructing someone or something to return.

were routed back

Implies a planned or designated path for returning something or someone.

were deported

Focuses specifically on the forced return of individuals to their country of origin.

were repatriated

Highlights the return of individuals to their homeland, often in the context of refugees or displaced persons.

were conveyed back

Suggests a formal or official transfer back to a previous location or state.

FAQs

How can I use "were sent back" in a sentence?

Use "were sent back" to describe a situation where items or individuals have been returned to their original location or state. For example, "The defective products "were sent back" to the manufacturer".

What are some alternatives to "were sent back"?

You can use alternatives such as "were returned", "were shipped back", or "were deported", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was sent back" instead of "were sent back"?

"Was sent back" is used for singular subjects, while ""were sent back"" is used for plural subjects. For example, "The package was sent back", but "The packages "were sent back"".

What's the difference between "were sent back" and "were driven back"?

"Were sent back" implies a deliberate act of returning something or someone, while "were driven back" suggests a forced retreat or repulsion.