were sought for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were sought for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about a person or thing that was requested or looking for. For example, "Talented actors were sought for the lead role in the movie."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Medical records were sought for each participant.

Epilepsy Research

By varying asperity height, width, position and contact load dangerous asperity configurations were sought for.

International Journal of Fatigue

That means penalties were sought for about one of every seven payroll tax reports, TimeValue estimated.

The New York Times

Penalties were sought for just 3% of violations, meaning there is "no cop on the beat", according to the NRDC.

The Guardian

Explanations were sought for the extended creativity of a man who, after 1986, could no longer sign his name.

The New Yorker

Worldwide nominations were sought for individuals who demonstrated a lifetime of excellence and innovation in the study of the human condition.

Princeton University

In this paper, the optimal conditions for verifying the applicability of a chosen redox couple as an internal reference were sought for.

Electrochimica Acta

After the dissidents complained, bids were sought for the contract and another company bid $7.5 million less than National Prescription Administrators was charging.

The New York Times

Second, alternative and humane solutions, including return or legal immigration channels, were sought for those who were not refugees in need of international protection.

The Guardian

Two approaches were taken into consideration for the experiments, i.e., selective and collective leaching, and then the optimum conditions were sought for each considered approach.

Separation and Purification Technology

Well into the 1980s, black players quietly complained that white players were sought for front office and coaching jobs at much higher rates.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were sought for", ensure that the subject clearly indicates what or who was being searched for. Clarity is crucial in passive voice constructions.

Common error

Avoid using "were sought for" excessively in your writing, as it can make your sentences sound indirect and less engaging. Opt for active voice where appropriate to improve clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were sought for" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence was the object of a search or request. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it is commonly used to describe situations where something was actively being looked for or desired.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were sought for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction, particularly in formal, scientific, and news-related contexts. It indicates that something was actively searched for or requested. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate for conveying a sense of active pursuit while maintaining a neutral tone. When writing, it is important to ensure clarity by specifying what was being sought and to avoid overuse of passive voice for better engagement. Alternatives like "were requested" or "were looked for" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. By understanding its proper usage and context, you can effectively incorporate "were sought for" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were looked for

Emphasizes a visual search or investigation.

were searched for

Similar to 'were looked for' but can also apply to abstract concepts.

were requested

Highlights the act of formally asking for something.

were solicited

Suggests that something was asked for, often actively or urgently.

were desired

Focuses on a strong feeling of wanting something.

were pursued

Implies a determined effort to obtain something.

were hunted for

Emphasizes the intensity and difficulty of the search.

were in demand

Highlights the high level of interest in obtaining something.

were applied for

Implies a formal process of seeking something, like a job or grant.

were explored

Signifies that something was investigated to be found out, understood, or validated.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "were sought for" to use active voice?

To use active voice, rephrase the sentence to highlight who was doing the seeking. For example, instead of "Explanations were sought for the extended creativity", you could say "Researchers sought explanations for the extended creativity".

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

"Were requested" implies a formal asking or demand, while "were sought for" suggests a more general search or desire, which may or may not involve a direct request.

In what contexts is "were sought for" most appropriate?

"Were sought for" is suitable in formal writing, research papers, news articles, and other contexts where you want to maintain a neutral tone and emphasize the object of the search rather than the searcher.

What are some alternatives to "were sought for" that maintain a similar meaning?

Alternatives include "were looked for", "were pursued", or "were in demand", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.