were undertaken

USAGE SUMMARY

"were undertaken" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a task or project that has been completed. For example, "The renovations to the old building were undertaken with great success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ambitious articles were undertaken.

The New York Times - Magazine

"No collective expulsions were undertaken," he added.

The New York Times

One hundred and twenty throws were undertaken.

Nature

These experiments were undertaken for two reasons.

Nature

Five experimental designs were undertaken.

Neuropharmacology

LCD TVs were undertaken to follow.

Measurement

These actions were undertaken at a very tense moment.

The Guardian - Opinion

ChIP experiments were undertaken by following a published protocol65.

Nature

Twenty-five replicateslicates were undertaken (DS-V).

Nature

Additional mergers were undertaken in DuPont's effort to diversify further.

Britannica

Public works such as the bazaar in Tehrān were undertaken.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were undertaken" to describe actions or projects that have been formally initiated and completed. It is particularly useful in academic, scientific, or formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "were undertaken" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "were done" or "were started" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were undertaken" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a task, project, or action was performed or initiated by someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. Examples show its use across different academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

17%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were undertaken" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive verb phrase, primarily employed in formal writing, especially within scientific, academic, and news contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It serves to indicate that specific tasks, projects, or actions have been initiated and often completed. While alternatives like "were carried out" or "were conducted" exist, "were undertaken" maintains a degree of formality suitable for professional communication. Avoid overuse in casual settings, opting for simpler phrasing when appropriate. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like Nature, ScienceDirect, and Britannica underscores its reliability in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were carried out

This alternative emphasizes the execution or performance of a task.

were conducted

This alternative is often used in the context of experiments, surveys, or investigations.

were performed

This alternative is suitable when describing actions, duties, or tasks completed.

were executed

This alternative implies a more formal or precise completion of a task.

were implemented

This alternative suggests putting a plan or system into effect.

were initiated

This alternative highlights the commencement or starting of an action.

were pursued

This alternative suggests actively working towards a goal or objective.

were enacted

This alternative is often used when referring to laws, policies, or regulations put into effect.

were addressed

This alternative indicates that certain issues or problems were given attention and dealt with.

were tackled

This alternative implies dealing with problems or difficult tasks.

FAQs

How can I use "were undertaken" in a sentence?

You can use "were undertaken" to describe projects, studies, or actions that have been initiated and completed. For example, "Extensive research studies "were undertaken" to understand the phenomenon".

What are some alternatives to "were undertaken"?

Alternatives include "were carried out", "were conducted", or "were performed". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "were undertaken" in both formal and informal writing?

"Were undertaken" is more suitable for formal writing. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "were done" or "were started" are often preferred.

What is the difference between "were undertaken" and "were attempted"?

"Were undertaken" implies that an action was started and completed (successfully or unsuccessfully), while "were attempted" simply means that an effort was made, without necessarily implying completion. You can use alternatives like "were carried out" when trying to imply that there was an attempt.