were taken off

USAGE SUMMARY

'were taken off' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about something that has been removed or taken away. For example, "The taps were taken off the sink in order to fix the plumbing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wine tastings were taken off the schedule.

The New York Times

All three were taken off the air.

The New York Times

They were taken off guard by the heat wave.

The New York Times

Copies were taken off shelves; some were burned.

The New York Times

Of those, 86 were taken off the drug.

The New York Times - Health

Dexfenfluramine and fenfluramine were taken off the market after they were linked to heart valve damage.

Harvard University

They may even want info about homes that didn't sell and were taken off the market.

The Washington Post

Sometimes Americans were taken off those ships and made to serve in the British navy.

The Washington Post

The police said they were taken off a bus by killers from Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia.

The New York Times

Two other opposition TV channels were taken off air two weeks ago.

The Guardian

Those fixtures were taken off line, and the district "implemented remediation measures," according to its website.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were taken off", ensure the context clearly indicates what was removed and the reason for its removal. For example, "The old signs were taken off the building before the new ones were installed."

Common error

Avoid using "were taken off" when an active voice is more appropriate and direct. Instead of "The committee were taken off the project", consider "The committee members resigned from the project."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were taken off" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes an action performed upon a subject, indicating that something or someone was removed or detached by an unspecified agent. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were taken off" is a passive verb phrase commonly used to describe the removal or cessation of something, confirmed as correct by Ludwig AI. It enjoys broad applicability across different contexts, ranging from formal scientific reports to neutral news articles. Its register is generally neutral, which ensures it is suitable for use in diverse settings. Remember to use it in the plural form if the subject is plural; otherwise, use "was taken off". By recognizing its function, communicative purpose, and usage patterns, you can effectively use "were taken off" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were removed from

Focuses on the physical removal or displacement from a location or context.

were withdrawn from

Emphasizes a deliberate removal or retreat from a position or situation.

were pulled from

Suggests a sudden or forceful removal, often implying a negative reason.

were suspended from

Indicates a temporary removal or cessation, usually due to a rule or regulation.

were eliminated from

Highlights the complete removal or eradication from a set or system.

were excluded from

Focuses on the act of preventing someone or something from being included.

were discharged from

Relates to the formal release or removal from a duty, obligation, or institution.

were ousted from

Implies a forceful or involuntary removal from a position of power or influence.

were detached from

Highlights the act of separating or disconnecting from something else.

were relieved of

Focuses on the act of freeing someone from a burden or responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "were taken off" in a sentence?

You can use "were taken off" to describe items or people being removed from a place or position. For example, "The faulty products were taken off the shelves."

What is a synonym for "were taken off"?

Synonyms include "were removed from", "were withdrawn from", or "were eliminated from" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was taken off" instead of "were taken off"?

No, use "was taken off" for singular subjects and "were taken off" for plural subjects. For example, "The item was taken off the list" versus "The items were taken off the list."

What's the difference between "were taken off" and "were taken away"?

"Were taken off" usually implies a removal from a specific location or list, while "were taken away" suggests a removal to a different location.