were unsettled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were unsettled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of disturbance or anxiety experienced by a group of people in the past. Example: "The students were unsettled by the sudden change in their exam schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The players were unsettled.

The Guardian - Sport

Even big names were unsettled.

The New York Times - Sports

The years that followed were unsettled.

The New York Times - Arts

Both games were unsettled until deep in the fourth quarter.

The New York Times - Sports

Today, it was the men's seedings that were unsettled.

The New York Times - Sports

Researchers with the health department said they were unsettled by the finding, which they called "puzzling".

The New York Times - Health

Cadbury demerged its Schweppes drinks business, but shareholders were unsettled by the time it took.

The Economist

All the boundaries were unsettled, however, and many intrusions had to be frustrated first.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Critics were unsettled, likening the models in the installation to quarantined aliens.

The New Yorker

The Quest Expedition's aims were unsettled, but most of the original team came anyway.

The Guardian - Travel

His father, a newspaper man, moved frequently, and young Alfred's early days were unsettled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were unsettled", ensure that the context clearly indicates what or who caused the feeling of unease or instability. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "were unsettled" when the active voice would be more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The markets were unsettled by the news", consider "The news unsettled the markets".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were unsettled" functions primarily as a passive verb phrase, describing a state of being disturbed, anxious, or unstable. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in describing a disturbance or anxiety experienced in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were unsettled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a state of disturbance, anxiety, or instability, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is to convey that a group or entity experienced unease, often due to external events. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase sees prominent use in News & Media, encyclopedias, and general contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity about the cause of the disturbance enhances the writing's impact. While acceptable in numerous contexts, avoid overusing the passive voice when a more direct, active construction would be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were disturbed

Highlights the disruption and potential distress caused.

were in a state of unease

Highlights the continuous state of discomfort or anxiety.

were agitated

Focuses on a state of being excited or disturbed.

felt uneasy

Focuses on the feeling of unease or discomfort experienced.

were disrupted

Focuses on the interruption or disturbance of a settled state.

experienced turmoil

Emphasizes the internal or external disturbance experienced.

felt apprehensive

Highlights a feeling of anxiety or fear about something that might happen.

were thrown into disarray

Emphasizes the state of disorder and confusion that resulted.

were thrown off balance

Suggests a loss of stability or composure.

found themselves in turmoil

Focuses on entering a state of confusion or uncertainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "were unsettled" to describe a group's feeling of anxiety, disturbance, or instability. For example, "The shareholders "were unsettled" by the company's financial reports".

What are some alternatives to "were unsettled"?

Some alternatives include "were disturbed", "felt uneasy", or "were agitated", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "were unsettled" and "were worried"?

"Were unsettled" suggests a broader sense of unease or instability, while "were worried" specifically implies concern or anxiety about a particular issue or outcome.

Is it better to use "were unsettled" or "felt unsettled"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "were unsettled" implies an external cause or situation affecting the group, while "felt unsettled" emphasizes the internal emotional experience. The best choice depends on the specific context.