were stolen

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "were stolen" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are describing something that was taken without permission. For example, "The family's valuables were stolen during the break-in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We were stolen from.

The New York Times

(They probably were stolen).

Britannica

Various things were stolen.

The New York Times

"These were stolen from you.

The New Yorker

"They said weapons were stolen.

The New York Times

Cars were stolen.

The New York Times

Her clothes were stolen.

The New York Times

Instead, the skulls were stolen.

The New York Times

The tickets were stolen property.

The New York Times - Arts

Deer were stolen for meat.

The New York Times

Last year 25 meters were stolen.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were stolen", ensure the subject clearly identifies what items or entities were taken. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "was stolen" when referring to multiple items. "Was stolen" is singular; use "were stolen" for plural subjects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were stolen" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence was the recipient of the action of stealing, rather than the actor. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were stolen" is a grammatically sound and common passive construction used to describe instances where multiple items have been taken without permission. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct for written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves the function of reporting thefts and similar events. While maintaining a neutral tone, it's important to use "were stolen" with a clear subject to avoid ambiguity and to ensure the subject-verb agreement is accurate, avoiding common errors like using "was stolen" for plural subjects. Alternatives such as "were misappropriated" or "had gone missing" can be used to express similar ideas with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were unlawfully taken

More formal and legalistic way of saying "were stolen".

were taken illegally

Similar to 'unlawfully taken' but slightly less formal.

were snatched

Implies a quick or forceful theft.

had been pilfered

Uses a less common word for 'stolen', suggesting a petty theft or pilfering.

were ripped off

A more informal and colloquial way of saying "were stolen".

were misappropriated

Implies that items were taken and used improperly, often in a financial or official context.

had gone missing

Emphasizes the loss or disappearance of the items, without explicitly stating they were stolen.

disappeared without a trace

Focuses on the mysterious disappearance rather than the act of stealing.

were purloined

A somewhat archaic or humorous term for stolen.

were embezzled

Specific to the stealing of funds or assets from a business or organization.

FAQs

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

Use "were stolen" to describe items or entities that have been taken without permission. For example, "The paintings "were stolen" from the museum."

What's the difference between "were stolen" and "was stolen"?

"Were stolen" is used for plural subjects, while "was stolen" is used for singular subjects. For instance, "The cars "were stolen"" (plural) versus "The car "was stolen"" (singular).

What can I say instead of "were stolen"?

You can use alternatives like "were misappropriated", "had gone missing", or "were unlawfully taken depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "items were stolen" or "items got stolen"?

"Items "were stolen"" is grammatically correct and more formal. "Items got stolen" is more informal but acceptable in casual conversation.