were unearthed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were unearthed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the discovery or excavation of something, often in an archaeological or metaphorical context. Example: "Ancient artifacts were unearthed during the excavation of the historical site."

✓ Grammatically correct

Heritage Science

The New Yorker

The New York Times

Independent

The New York Times - Science

The New York Times - Tech

The Guardian

The Guardian - Film

Encyclopedia Britannica

TechCrunch

BBC

Science Magazine

Forbes

Huffington Post

Wikipedia

Vice

Journal of Archaeological Science

BMC Genomics

BMC Systems Biology

The New York Times - Books

SEP

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The swords for analysis were unearthed from different tombs dating to the Warring States period: YLS1 (archaeological excavation number: 00YLIIM82 2) was excavated in 2000, whereas YLS2 (98YLIIM10:1) and YLS3 (98YLIIM11:4) were unearthed in 1998.

Heritage Science

Secrets and emotion were unearthed.

The New Yorker

He died in April before the mass graves were unearthed.

The New York Times

The remaining fragments of skull were unearthed in 2003.

Independent

As sections of the old pipe were unearthed, they revealed the site's history.

The New York Times

In the process, thousands of forgotten dishes, glasses and serving pieces were unearthed in the basement.

The New York Times

But what if the Rosetta Stone were unearthed in modern times?

The New York Times - Science

They were unearthed at 704 Michigan Avenue by Ralph Hunter III, the museum's director.

The New York Times

Massive, heavy and proudly inelegant, they look as if they were unearthed in someone's grandfather's attic.

The New York Times - Tech

The pieces were unearthed when grave robbers went looking for gems.

The New York Times

In the review, 3,200 research papers, mostly of very poor quality, were unearthed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were unearthed" when you want to emphasize the effort or process involved in discovering something hidden or buried, either literally or figuratively.

Common error

Avoid using "were unearthed" when simpler alternatives like "were discovered" or "were found" are more appropriate, especially in less formal writing. Overusing it can sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were unearthed" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence had something (artifacts, secrets, remains etc.) uncovered or discovered. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across varied domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

19%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were unearthed" is a versatile passive verb phrase commonly used to describe the discovery or uncovering of something previously hidden, buried, or unknown. As Ludwig AI highlights, it appears frequently in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While generally appropriate for formal and neutral registers, writers should avoid overuse in informal settings. Alternatives include "were discovered", "were uncovered", and "were revealed", each with subtle differences in meaning and emphasis. Remember to use it wisely to enhance the impact and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were discovered

Focuses on the act of finding something, emphasizing the initial point of discovery.

were uncovered

Similar to "were unearthed", but can also imply a metaphorical removal of a covering or concealment.

were revealed

Highlights the act of making something known or visible that was previously hidden.

were excavated

Specifically refers to digging something up from the ground, often in an archaeological context.

were found

A more general term for locating something, without necessarily implying a deliberate search or uncovering.

came to light

Idiomatic expression indicating that something previously unknown has become public knowledge.

were disclosed

Emphasizes the act of revealing information that was previously confidential or secret.

were exposed

Suggests that something was revealed, often with negative connotations or implications.

were brought to light

Similar to "came to light", but with a more active and intentional connotation.

were detected

Implies the use of specific methods or instruments to find or notice something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were unearthed" is used to describe the discovery of something that was previously hidden or buried. For example, "Ancient artifacts "were unearthed" during the excavation."

What can I say instead of "were unearthed"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "were unearthed" in a formal context?

Yes, "were unearthed" is appropriate in formal contexts, especially when discussing archaeological findings, historical discoveries, or significant revelations. However, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and choose the most fitting alternative if needed.

What's the difference between "were unearthed" and "were excavated"?

"Were unearthed" implies a broader sense of discovery, while "were excavated" specifically refers to digging something out of the ground. The choice depends on whether the context involves physical digging or a more general uncovering.