were shown around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were shown around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is guided or taken on a tour of a place, typically to familiarize them with the environment. Example: "The new employees were shown around the office to help them get acquainted with their new workspace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

They were shown around the world in dozens of languages.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They were shown around by curator Alice Black.

The Guardian

The spectacular images were shown around the world and provoked dismay and outcry in the media.

The Guardian - Opinion

The visitors were shown around by anti-occupation activists and wrote up their experiences.

The Washington Post

When we finally got there, we were shown around this enormous rocky site with hundreds of temples.

The New York Times

Afterwards Pearson went on holiday only to find out that a consortium were shown around the club behind his back.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

We asked to be shown around.

The New York Times - Travel

The film was shown around the world in several languages.

The Guardian - Arts

It will also be shown around the world.

The New York Times - Arts

His photographs have been shown around the world.

The Washington Post

His work has been shown around the world.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were shown around" to describe situations where people are guided through a location or process, emphasizing the act of being led and informed. For example, "The new recruits were shown around the facility to familiarize them with the operations."

Common error

Avoid using active voice when the passive construction "were shown around" is more appropriate to emphasize the object of the action rather than the actor. Instead of "The guide showed us around", use "We were shown around by the guide" to focus on the experience of being guided.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were shown around" functions as a passive construction, where the subject receives the action of being guided or toured. As Ludwig AI confirms, this structure is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Examples demonstrate its use across various contexts to describe guided experiences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

13%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were shown around" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction that describes the act of being guided or toured through a place or process. As Ludwig AI states, its usage is well-supported and appropriate for various contexts. Its primary function is to emphasize the experience of the subject receiving the tour, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. The most authoritative sources using this phrase are news outlets such as The Guardian and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were given a tour

Emphasizes the act of receiving a guided exploration.

were guided through

Highlights the guidance aspect of the experience.

were taken on a tour

Similar to "were given a tour", focusing on the act of touring.

were escorted around

Suggests a more formal or supervised experience.

were led around

Emphasizes the act of being led by someone.

were conducted through

Suggests a formal and organized tour.

received a guided visit

Highlights the reception of a guided experience.

were familiarized with

Focuses on the process of becoming acquainted with a place or system.

were walked through

Emphasizes a step-by-step explanation or demonstration while moving through a space.

were introduced to

Focuses on the act of being presented to something new.

FAQs

What does "were shown around" mean?

It means that someone was given a tour or guided through a place or process, typically to familiarize them with it.

What can I say instead of "were shown around"?

You can use alternatives like "were given a tour", "were guided through", or "were escorted around" depending on the context.

How is "were shown around" different from "were introduced to"?

"Were shown around" typically implies a physical tour or guided experience of a place, while "were introduced to" can refer to concepts, people, or places.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with the phrase "were shown around"?

The phrase is already in passive voice, emphasizing the recipients of the tour. Using the active voice would require rephrasing (e.g., "Someone showed them around"), which may shift the focus.