were sent to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'were sent to' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that something was moved from one place to another. For example: The new art supplies were sent to the classroom.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were sent to Kilby.

The New York Times

They were sent to bed.

The New Yorker

Two were sent to the hospital.

The New York Times

Several were sent to mental asylums.

Independent

In fact they were sent to Bermuda.

The Economist

"Flowers were sent to our house".

The New York Times - Arts

In November, troops were sent to Afghanistan.

The New Yorker

A mere handful were sent to prison.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both were sent to Columbus.

The New York Times - Sports

Later Nigerian troops were sent to East Africa.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Emails were sent to regular visitors.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were sent to", ensure the subject clearly indicates who or what was being sent and the object specifies the destination or recipient. Clarity is key in passive voice constructions.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly identifying the actor, even if it requires rephrasing into the active voice. For instance, instead of "Mistakes were sent to the editor", specify "The author sent the mistakes to the editor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were sent to" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that a subject (person or thing) was caused to move or be transported to a specific location or recipient. Ludwig examples confirm this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were sent to" is a very common and grammatically sound passive construction used to describe the transfer or dispatch of someone or something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "were dispatched to" or "were transferred to" offer nuances in formality and emphasis, understanding the core function of this phrase ensures clear and effective communication. Remember to prioritize clarity by specifying who or what was sent and the ultimate destination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were dispatched to

Uses a more formal verb, 'dispatched', implying a more organized or official sending.

were transported to

Focuses on the physical act of moving something or someone to a different location.

were transferred to

Highlights a shift from one entity, location, or state to another.

were assigned to

Emphasizes the act of giving someone a specific task or location.

were relocated to

Indicates a change of residence or business location.

were directed to

Suggests guidance or instruction leading to a particular destination.

were forwarded to

Implies the continuation of a process, where something is sent on to the next stage or recipient.

were shipped to

Specifically refers to goods being transported, often commercially.

were consigned to

Indicates something is entrusted or handed over to someone's care or control.

were exiled to

Suggests being forced to leave one's country or home, often as a form of punishment.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "They were sent to the hospital" in the active voice?

In active voice, you could say "Someone sent them to the hospital" or, more specifically, "The paramedics sent them to the hospital". Consider the level of detail needed for clarity.

What is a more formal alternative to "were sent to"?

A more formal alternative is "were dispatched to", which suggests a deliberate and organized action.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with the expression "were sent to"?

The choice between active and passive voice depends on the context. Use passive voice when the recipient or destination is more important than the sender, or when the sender is unknown or irrelevant. Active voice is preferable when the sender is important to emphasize.

What does "were transferred to" mean and how is it different from "were sent to"?

"were transferred to" suggests a change of possession, responsibility, or location, often within a structured system. "Were sent to" is broader and simply indicates movement from one place to another, without necessarily implying a formal transfer.