were turned out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were turned out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where people or things were produced, created, or expelled from a place or situation. Example: "The students were turned out of the classroom after the fire alarm rang."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some three dozen House Democrats who supported the 2009 climate bill were turned out of office.

The New York Times

Jam, bottled juice, and relish were turned out in the kitchen.

The New Yorker

Now the Murphys had to seriously consider what Mary would do if they were turned out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Portraits like these were turned out in countless numbers every year.

The New York Times - Books

When the two molds had finished cooking, they were turned out, and one was mounted on the other.

The New Yorker

Mostly mold-made, they were turned out in great quantities, with the same stiff formality seen in Chimú pottery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Millions of obsidian blades, as well as knives, dart points, and scrapers, were turned out by Teotihuacán workshops for export.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The many commissions entrusted to him necessitated the employment of numerous assistants, by whom hundreds of portraits were turned out.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sleeves were turned out asymmetrically, fitted on one side, flowing into beautifully messy bells on the other.

The New York Times - Style

If all the lamps in the house were turned out you could dress this wound by what shines from it.

The New York Times - Books

This Christian fantasy collided with the laws of property, and the poor were turned out of the palaces.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were turned out" to describe production, ensure the context clearly indicates mass production or a significant quantity.

Common error

Avoid using "were turned out" when an active voice construction is more appropriate or direct. For example, instead of "The products were turned out by the factory", consider "The factory turned out the products".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were turned out" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject received the action of being produced, expelled, or revealed. Ludwig shows that the phrase appears in varied contexts, from describing manufactured goods to political outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were turned out" is a versatile passive verb phrase with multiple meanings, encompassing production, expulsion, and revelation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used across various domains. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science, its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When employing this phrase, consider the intended meaning and the context to ensure clarity and precision. While the phrase is correct and usable, choosing a more direct or active voice may sometimes improve sentence structure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were produced

Focuses on the creation or manufacturing aspect, omitting the potential negative connotations of expulsion.

were expelled

Highlights the act of being forced out, lacking the broader sense of production or creation.

were manufactured

Specifically refers to industrial production, suitable when discussing goods or items.

were ejected

Implies a forceful removal, often in a more literal or physical sense.

were removed

A more general term for taking something or someone out of a place or position.

were ousted

Specifically refers to being removed from a position of power or authority.

were brought forth

Emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence or making it known.

were yielded

Focuses on the result or output of a process, suggesting a natural or expected outcome.

were generated

Highlights the creation or production of something, often in a technical or abstract sense.

were discharged

Implies a release or expulsion, often from a formal setting like a hospital or the military.

FAQs

What does "were turned out" mean?

The phrase "were turned out" has a few meanings. It can mean that something was produced, like "thousands of units "were turned out" by the factory". It can also mean someone was expelled or forced to leave a place.

When should I use "were turned out" instead of "were produced"?

Use "were turned out" when you want to emphasize a large quantity being produced, or when there's a sense of something being churned out quickly. "Were produced" is a more neutral term for creation.

What's a more formal way to say "were turned out"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "were manufactured" (for products) or "were discharged" (for people leaving an institution).

Is "were turned out" always negative?

No, "were turned out" isn't always negative. While it can imply expulsion, it's often neutral when describing production volumes. The meaning depends on the context.