were watched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were watched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing an action that was performed on a subject in the past, typically in passive voice. Example: "The animals in the sanctuary were watched closely by the researchers to ensure their well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There we were watched ourselves.

The New York Times

People were watched very closely.

The New Yorker

We were watched by 4.4m.

The Guardian

Jurors' rooms were watched by guards.

The New York Times

And we were watched like hawks.

The Guardian - Music

These were watched from a laptop in our hotel".

Independent

He added: "These matches were watched with intense interest".

The New York Times

Coldplay were watched by a better known rapper, however.

Independent

"We were watched 24 hours a day," he said.

The New York Times

They were watched by surprisingly large and enthusiastic crowds.

The New York Times - Sports

Jacqui was not there when these films were watched.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were watched", ensure the subject performing the action is either clearly stated or implied to avoid ambiguity in passive voice constructions.

Common error

Avoid using "were watched" when an active voice construction would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "The suspect was watched by the police", consider "The police watched the suspect" if the actor is important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were watched" functions primarily as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence received the action of being observed. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts where someone or something is under observation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

36%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were watched" is a common and grammatically correct passive verb construction used to indicate that a subject was under observation. As demonstrated by the Ludwig examples, it is frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts, with a neutral register suitable for a wide range of audiences. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While "were watched" is versatile, it's important to consider whether an active voice construction might provide greater clarity in certain situations. Understanding its function, purpose, and register allows for effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were monitored

This alternative emphasizes a systematic and often technological observation.

were observed

This alternative focuses on noticing or perceiving something, often in a scientific or detached manner.

were supervised

This alternative suggests oversight with the intention of guidance or control.

were guarded

This alternative highlights the act of protecting something from harm or unwanted access.

were overseen

This alternative implies a managerial or administrative role in watching something.

were surveilled

This alternative indicates a more covert or technologically advanced method of observation.

were kept under surveillance

This alternative phrase is a more detailed and explicit way of expressing covert observation.

were under observation

This alternative suggests that something is being watched closely for a specific purpose, such as a scientific study.

were kept in view

This alternative suggests keeping something or someone within sight or visual range.

were kept an eye on

This alternative is an idiomatic expression meaning to watch carefully and attentively.

FAQs

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

Use "were watched" to indicate that someone or something was observed over a period of time. For example: "The contestants "were watched" by a panel of judges."

What are some alternatives to "were watched"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "were observed", "were monitored", or "were supervised".

Is it better to use active or passive voice when using "were watched"?

While "were watched" is grammatically correct in passive voice, consider using active voice for clarity if the actor is important. For example, instead of "The performance "were watched" by the audience", you could say "The audience watched the performance".

What's the difference between "were watched" and "were observed"?

"Were watched" implies a continuous act of looking at something, while "were observed" suggests a more detached or scientific act of noting something. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.