were updated on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were updated on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone being informed or receiving new information about a particular topic or situation. Example: "The team members were updated on the project's progress during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

These numbers were updated on localized maps.

The New York Times

These terms and conditions were updated on 24 April 2015.

The Guardian

The figures were updated on Friday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Guardian

As owners left that meeting, they said they were updated on negotiations.

The New York Times - Sports

The headline and text of this article were updated on 9 October 2014 to include Gen Rodriguez's clarification.

The Guardian

F.B.I. headquarters were updated on the status of the investigation twice daily; the president was briefed frequently.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

A Gaussian mixture model was used to represent the bubble size PDF and its parameters were updated on-line and in real-time by a dedicated computer from sequentially incoming images.

International Journal of Mineral Processing

The article was updated on March 3rd.

The Economist

This article was updated on 26 August 2014.

Independent

This post was updated on Sept. 10.

The New York Times

It was updated on December 2 2009.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were updated on" to indicate that someone or something received the latest information or status regarding a specific topic or event. Ensure that the subject receiving the update is clearly identified.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses when using "were updated on". For example, do not follow it with a future tense clause if the update happened in the past. Maintain consistency to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were updated on" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject received new information. This usage aligns with examples provided by Ludwig, where various entities, ranging from F.B.I. headquarters to owners, received updates on different subjects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were updated on" functions as a passive verb phrase signifying the action of receiving the latest information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, including science, news, and business. While its register is generally neutral to professional, slight adjustments using synonyms like "were informed about" or "were briefed on" can further tailor the tone. Remember to maintain tense consistency and ensure the subject receiving the update is clearly identified. With a "common" frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, "were updated on" is a reliable and versatile phrase for conveying informational updates.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received updates about

Changes the verb from 'updated' to 'received', focusing on the act of receiving information rather than the act of updating.

were kept up-to-date on

Stresses the continuous nature of receiving updates, implying ongoing information flow.

were informed about

Emphasizes the act of being told or made aware of something, providing a more direct alternative.

were briefed on

Suggests a more formal or concise delivery of information, typically in a professional setting.

were brought up to speed on

Highlights the act of getting someone quickly acquainted with current developments.

gained insights into

Highlights the acquisition of understanding or knowledge about a topic, implying a deeper level of comprehension.

had the latest information on

Focuses on possessing the newest details, emphasizing currency and relevance.

were given the current status of

Emphasizes that someone provided information on the most recent developments

were apprised of

Offers a more formal and less common way to say 'were informed', suitable for official communication.

were filled in on

Indicates that someone provided the missing or current information.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "were updated on" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "were apprised of" or "were briefed on". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

What's the difference between "were updated on" and "were informed about"?

While both phrases indicate receiving information, "were updated on" often implies receiving the latest or most current information. "were informed about" is a more general term for simply being told about something, without necessarily implying it's the newest information.

Is it correct to use "were updated on" in a professional setting?

Yes, "were updated on" is perfectly acceptable in professional settings. It clearly communicates that someone received current information or status on a project, topic, or event. Using alternatives like "were briefed on" may be more appropriate for very formal environments.

What are some alternatives to "were updated on" that aren't necessarily formal?

Alternatives such as "were filled in on" or "were brought up to speed on" are more informal options. These phrases are suitable for casual conversations or internal communications within a team.