were sustained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were sustained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing something that has been maintained or continued over a period of time, often in relation to support or endurance. Example: "The efforts of the volunteers were sustained throughout the entire event, ensuring its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Miraculously, the improvements were sustained.

The Economist

No damage or injuries were sustained.

Independent

Probably, Steve, because none were sustained long enough to matter.

The New York Times - Sports

As in any year, various trends began or were sustained.

The New York Times

Equally, there were sustained periods when Chelsea showed they are by far the more rounded team.

The Guardian - Sport

Very few of these allegations, however, were sustained and even fewer were punished.

The Guardian

Everyone got things wrong – including John – but whatever the differences, friendships were sustained.

The Guardian

He did not say whether the injuries were sustained in captivity or in the rescue.

The New York Times

Murray said that if the accusations were sustained Australia should vie again to host the tournament.

The Guardian - Sport

He was taken to hospital amid conflicting versions of how his injuries were sustained.

The Guardian

"[But] the bullet wounds that were sustained in the Pulse event were clearly different.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were sustained", ensure that the subject clearly indicates what specifically was being maintained or continued. For instance, "The improvements were sustained" is clearer if followed by a description of the improvements.

Common error

Avoid using "were sustained" when an active voice construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The company's profits were sustained by aggressive marketing", consider "Aggressive marketing sustained the company's profits" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were sustained" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject received or experienced an action. It highlights that something was maintained or continued, as confirmed by Ludwig and numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were sustained" is a common and grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to indicate the maintenance or continuation of something over time. As Ludwig AI affirms, its usage spans across diverse contexts, primarily within news and media, and scientific domains. To ensure clarity, specify what was sustained. While the passive voice is appropriate, consider using the active voice for directness. Alternatives such as "were maintained" and "were continued" provide nuanced options depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were maintained

Emphasizes the act of keeping something in its original condition or state.

were upheld

Suggests that a decision or principle was supported and defended.

were continued

Focuses on the uninterrupted progression of something.

were prolonged

Highlights the act of extending the duration of something.

were preserved

Indicates that something was protected from harm or decay.

were supported

Suggests that something received assistance to continue existing.

were kept up

Implies that an activity or effort was maintained at a consistent level.

were endured

Emphasizes the ability to withstand difficult conditions or challenges.

were validated

Focuses on confirming the accuracy or legitimacy of something over time.

were fortified

Indicates that something was strengthened to withstand future challenges.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were sustained" is used to indicate that something has been maintained or continued over a period. For example, "The project's momentum "was sustained" despite the challenges."

What are some alternatives to "were sustained"?

Alternatives include "were maintained", "were continued", or "were upheld", depending on the specific context. Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "sustained"?

While "were sustained" (passive) is grammatically correct, using the active voice can sometimes make your writing more direct. For example, instead of "The losses "were sustained" by the company", you could write "The company sustained losses".

What's the difference between "were sustained" and "were supported"?

"Were sustained" implies that something was kept going or maintained, while "were supported" suggests that something received assistance to continue. For example, "The growth "was sustained" by innovation", versus "The project "was supported" by donations."