were spilled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were spilled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that has already occurred in the past, typically referring to a liquid that has been accidentally poured out. Example: "The drinks were spilled all over the floor during the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Martinis were spilled.

The New York Times - Style

About three tons of engine fuel were spilled.

The New York Times

A lot of soapsuds were spilled on the way to literary eminence.

The New York Times - Books

GALLONS of blood were spilled by the Aztecs to appease Centéotl, the god of maize.

The Economist

Hundreds of pounds of partly seared fish were spilled across the road.

The New York Times

The second part concentrated on how many barrels of oil were spilled into the Gulf.

Independent

"Two hundred piglets were spilled on to the street," says Morrissey.

The Guardian - Music

The two products were spilled under controlled conditions during ca. four months to assess how they evolved on time.

Water Research

Millions of barrels of crude were spilled into the Delta, ruining farms and fisheries, the foundation of the region's economy.

The New Yorker

A couple of tears fell, and a few remarks were spilled about feeling cheated and wanting revenge.

The New York Times - Sports

* In 1993, 85,000 tonnes of crude oil were spilled when the MV Braer ran aground off Shetland.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject of the phrase is plural when using "were spilled". Avoid constructions like "The water were spilled", and use "The waters "were spilled"". Always ensure subject-verb agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "were spilled" when you mean to describe a deliberate action. This passive construction implies an accident or unintentional event. If the action was intentional, use the active voice: "He spilled the beans" instead of "The beans "were spilled" by him".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were spilled" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject received the action of spilling. Ludwig AI states the phrase is grammatically correct. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from physical spills to abstract disclosures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were spilled" is a grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to describe the unintentional release or disclosure of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and frequently found in diverse contexts such as news, science and academia. While generally neutral, its usage is more common in news and scientific reporting. When writing, remember to ensure subject-verb agreement and consider using the active voice for increased impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were accidentally released

Specifies that the release was unintentional, adding a layer of detail.

were unintentionally disclosed

Similar to accidentally released but emphasizes that it applies to information rather than objects/liquids.

were leaked

Specifically refers to the unauthorized release of information.

leaked out

Focuses on the gradual release of information or substance.

were divulged

Emphasizes the act of revealing something previously hidden or secret.

were released

A general term for something being let out, applicable to both substances and information.

were discharged

Implies a more forceful or deliberate release, often used in technical contexts.

were uncovered

Highlights the discovery and revelation of something previously unknown.

overflowed

Suggests a situation where something exceeds its capacity and spills over.

ran out

Focuses on the depletion of a substance through spillage or leakage.

FAQs

How can I use "were spilled" in a sentence?

You can use "were spilled" to describe something that has been accidentally poured out, like "The drinks "were spilled" all over the floor during the party."

What can I say instead of "were spilled"?

You can use alternatives like "leaked out", "were released", or "overflowed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "were spilled" or "was spilled"?

"Were spilled" is used with plural subjects, while "was spilled" is used with singular subjects. For example, "The beans "were spilled"" is correct, but "The bean was spilled" is correct. For uncountable nouns use "was spilled", e.g.: "The milk was spilled".

What's the difference between "were spilled" and "were leaked"?

"Were spilled" typically refers to liquids or granular substances being accidentally poured out, while "were leaked" often refers to information being disclosed without authorization. For instance, "The oil "were spilled"" versus "The secrets "were leaked"".