were taught

USAGE SUMMARY

"were taught" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
For example: All students were taught the proper safety procedures in the lab.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's how we were taught.

The New York Times - Sports

They were taught against us.

The New York Times - Magazine

We were taught self-reliance.

The Economist

"It's how we were taught.

The New York Times

We were taught snipers were cowards.

Independent

They were taught that was financially responsible".

The New York Times

Medicine and law were taught from 1888.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We were taught," Mr. Iatrou said, smiling.

The New York Times

We were taught to block the ball!

The New York Times - Sports

The children were taught grammar through acting.

The New Yorker

Most were taught by private coaches.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were taught", ensure the sentence clearly indicates who did the teaching and what the subject matter was. This improves clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "were taught" excessively in your writing. Over-reliance on passive voice can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Consider rephrasing sentences to use active voice for a more engaging and direct style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were taught" functions as the main verb in a passive construction. It indicates that the subject of the sentence received instruction or knowledge from an unspecified agent. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were taught" is a common and grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to describe past learning experiences. Ludwig AI affirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While predominantly found in News & Media and Science, its register is generally neutral, making it versatile for different writing styles. Remember to use it judiciously, considering active voice alternatives for directness, and always ensure clarity regarding who was taught and what was taught. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its widespread acceptance and proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were instructed

Focuses more on the act of giving instructions rather than the learning process itself.

received instruction

A more formal and passive way of expressing the same idea.

were educated

Implies a more formal and comprehensive learning experience.

were trained

Suggests a practical, skill-based learning approach.

were coached

Implies personalized guidance and support during learning.

learned

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the acquisition of knowledge.

were given lessons

Highlights the structured and planned nature of the learning experience.

were mentored

Suggests a longer-term, more in-depth relationship with a guide or advisor.

were shown how to

Emphasizes the demonstration and practical aspect of learning.

gained knowledge

Focuses on the outcome of learning rather than the process.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "were taught" to use the active voice?

To use the active voice, identify who did the teaching and make them the subject of the sentence. For example, instead of "We were taught about built-in obsolescence at school", you could say "Our teachers taught us about "built-in obsolescence" at school".

What's the difference between "were taught" and "were instructed"?

"Were taught" implies a broader learning experience, while "were instructed" suggests a more specific set of directions or guidelines were given. "We were taught math" versus "We "were instructed" on how to operate the machine".

Is it always better to avoid passive voice constructions like "were taught"?

Not always. Passive voice can be useful when the action is more important than the actor, or when the actor is unknown or irrelevant. However, using the active voice generally makes your writing more direct and engaging.

What are some synonyms for "were taught" that I can use to vary my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "were educated", "were trained", "were coached", or "received instruction".