were tested for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were tested for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the evaluation or examination of something for a specific purpose or condition, often in scientific or medical contexts. Example: "The samples were tested for the presence of harmful bacteria before being approved for use."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then they were tested for sustained attention.

The New York Times - Science

All cells were tested for mycoplasma contamination.

Nature

These cells were tested for mycoplasma contamination.

Nature

Another group animals were tested for OFT.

Nature

Data were tested for normality.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Then, all addressing modes were tested for a few instructions.

Cornell University

Those horses were tested for the possibility of blood doping.

The New York Times - Sports

Not all the victims were tested for the virus.

The New York Times

Single nucleotide polymorphisms were tested for association with sJIA.

Stanford University

Report whether the cell lines were tested for mycoplasma contamination.

Nature

Therefore, membranes were tested for enzymatic degradation by elastase exposure.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were tested for", clearly specify what was being tested and the purpose of the testing to provide context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "were tested for" without specifying the testing parameters or the conditions being evaluated. Provide detailed information to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were tested for" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject underwent a process of examination or evaluation to determine the presence or absence of a particular attribute, substance, or condition. Ludwig provides numerous examples in scientific and medical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were tested for" is a grammatically correct and very common passive construction, predominantly used in formal, scientific, academic, and news contexts. According to Ludwig, it indicates that something underwent examination to determine the presence or absence of a specific condition or attribute. Related phrases include "were evaluated for" and "were examined for". When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what was being tested and the purpose of the testing. A common mistake is a lack of specificity, which can be avoided by providing detailed testing parameters. As shown by Ludwig's AI, this phrase is suitable for factual reporting in fields such as research and medicine.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underwent testing for

Replaces the passive voice with an active verb and specifies the action of undergoing a test.

were evaluated for

Substitutes "tested" with "evaluated", focusing on the assessment aspect.

were screened for

Emphasizes the initial assessment to identify specific conditions or elements.

were examined for

Replaces "tested" with "examined", highlighting a detailed inspection.

were analyzed for

Focuses on a detailed examination to identify constituent elements or properties.

were assessed to determine

Specifies the purpose of the assessment, adding clarity to the evaluation process.

were checked for

Uses a more informal verb, "checked", to indicate a verification process.

had tests conducted for

Emphasizes the performance of tests rather than just the act of testing.

were investigated for

Suggests a more in-depth inquiry or research to uncover specific information.

were subjected to testing for

Highlights the process of undergoing a rigorous testing procedure.

FAQs

How can I use "were tested for" in a sentence?

The phrase "were tested for" is used to indicate that something or someone underwent examination to determine the presence, absence, or level of a specific substance, condition, or characteristic. For instance, "The water samples "were tested for" contaminants" or "The patients "were tested for" the virus".

What are some alternatives to "were tested for"?

Alternatives to "were tested for" include "were evaluated for", "were examined for", or "underwent testing for". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "were tested for"?

While "were tested for" is in the passive voice, it's often suitable when the subject performing the test is unknown or less important than the object being tested. If the tester is important, you might rephrase in the active voice: "The researchers tested the samples for contamination."

What's the difference between "were tested for" and "were assessed for"?

"Were tested for" typically implies a specific, often scientific or technical examination. "Were assessed for" suggests a more general evaluation or judgment. For example, materials might be tested for purity but assessed for suitability.