were uncovered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were uncovered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been revealed or discovered, often in the context of information, evidence, or physical objects. Example: "After months of investigation, several important documents were uncovered that changed the course of the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Several house foundations were uncovered.

The New York Times - Science

What kinds of documents were uncovered?

The New Yorker

The remains were uncovered where the south tower had stood.

The New York Times

If the flea didn't mind that its feet were uncovered.

The New York Times - Tech

His activities were uncovered during an audit by the union.

The New York Times

After Schumann's death five additional variations were uncovered by Brahms.

The New York Times - Arts

In a further 18, minor concerns were uncovered.

Independent

Additional remains were uncovered in excavations that began in 1955.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This meant that only between 5% and 10% of the names on its database were uncovered.

The Guardian

Stefanovic declined to say where Vucic was when the weapons were uncovered.

The Guardian

Nearly 1,500 of them were uncovered on a large area of bedrock.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were uncovered" to describe the revelation of previously unknown facts, objects, or information, especially when emphasizing the process of discovery or investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "were uncovered" in active voice constructions. The phrase is typically used in passive voice to describe what was found, not who found it. For example, instead of saying "Researchers were uncovered the truth", say "The truth were uncovered by researchers".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were uncovered" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject has been revealed or discovered. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to describe the finding of information, objects, or facts through a process or investigation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were uncovered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase, indicating the revelation or discovery of something previously unknown. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's most commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles. Remember to use it in passive constructions to accurately convey that something has been revealed through a process or investigation. Alternatives such as "were revealed" or "were discovered" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were revealed

Focuses on the act of making something known or visible.

were discovered

Emphasizes the finding of something previously unknown.

were brought to light

Highlights the process of making something public or apparent.

were exposed

Implies the unveiling of something hidden or concealed.

were unearthed

Suggests the act of digging up or discovering something, often with historical or archaeological connotations.

came to light

Describes the emergence of information or facts.

were found

A more general term for locating or discovering something.

were disclosed

Implies the act of making something known, especially information that was previously confidential.

were detected

Focuses on the identification or discovery of something through careful observation or investigation.

were identified

Highlights the act of recognizing or establishing the identity of something.

FAQs

How do I use "were uncovered" in a sentence?

The phrase "were uncovered" is typically used in the passive voice to indicate that something was revealed or discovered. For example, "New details about the scandal were uncovered during the investigation".

What can I say instead of "were uncovered"?

You can use alternatives like "were revealed", "were discovered", or "were unearthed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "were uncovered" or "was uncovered"?

"Were uncovered" is used with plural subjects, while "was uncovered" is used with singular subjects. For example, "The secrets were uncovered" (plural) versus "The secret was uncovered" (singular).

What's the difference between "were uncovered" and "were revealed"?

While both suggest making something known, "were uncovered" often implies a process of discovery or investigation, while "were revealed" simply means something was made visible or known.