were vanquished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were vanquished" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to denote that someone or something has been defeated or overcome. For example: "All of their opponents were vanquished in the tournament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The miners were vanquished, the "new right" triumphant.

The Guardian - Music

For the rest of the day my own personal frustrations were vanquished.

The New York Times

It took 15 years of hard work and good luck before the Reagan deficits were vanquished.

The New York Times

The police were vanquished from the streets and the city was ours.

The Guardian

But even entire literary and linguistic cultures of great sophistication were vanquished by the predominance of English.

The New York Times

With just home fans in the ground because of political tensions, they stuck to Croatia's script and were vanquished 2-0.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

They are to be vanquished.

The New York Times

The bears are vanquished.

The New York Times

Diseases are vanquished.

The New York Times

He was vanquished?

The New York Times - Magazine

They will all be vanquished.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were vanquished" when you want to convey a sense of complete and decisive defeat, especially in contexts involving conflict or competition.

Common error

Avoid using "were vanquished" in casual or informal settings where simpler alternatives like "were defeated" or "were beaten" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were vanquished" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence has been defeated or overcome by an external force. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to describe the outcome of battles, competitions, or struggles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were vanquished" is a grammatically correct passive verb phrase that indicates a state of being thoroughly defeated. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with neutral to formal register. While synonymous with "were defeated", it conveys a stronger sense of decisive defeat. As Ludwig AI underlines, the phrase is generally used correctly and is acceptable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were defeated

This alternative offers a direct and common synonym for being overcome.

were conquered

Implies a more forceful and complete subjugation, often with territorial implications.

were overcome

Suggests surmounting a challenge or obstacle, rather than a direct opponent.

were subdued

Indicates a reduction in power or intensity, a state of being brought under control.

were crushed

Emphasizes a thorough and decisive defeat, often with destructive force.

were trounced

Similar to 'crushed' but often used in a sporting context.

were routed

Suggests a disorderly retreat and complete defeat in battle.

were subjugated

Highlights the act of bringing someone or something under domination or control.

were overthrown

Signifies a removal from power or position, often by force.

were annihilated

Implies a complete and utter destruction or obliteration.

FAQs

How to use "were vanquished" in a sentence?

The phrase "were vanquished" indicates that someone or something has been thoroughly defeated. For example: "The invading forces "were vanquished" by the allied armies."

What can I say instead of "were vanquished"?

You can use alternatives like "were defeated", "were conquered", or "were overcome" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Were vanquished" is used for plural subjects, while "was vanquished" is used for singular subjects. For example: "The enemies "were vanquished"," but "The enemy "was vanquished"."

What is the difference between "were vanquished" and "were defeated"?

While both phrases indicate a loss, "were vanquished" suggests a more complete and decisive defeat than "were defeated". "Vanquished" implies a thorough overcoming of the opponent.