were welcomed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were welcomed" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used as the past tense of the verb "to welcome", which means to greet or accept someone warmly. Here is an example sentence: The family were welcomed into their new home by their neighbors with open arms.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But they were welcomed.

The New York Times

Foreign observers were welcomed.

The Economist

Families were welcomed.

The New York Times - Arts

Women were welcomed.

The New York Times

They were welcomed.

The New Yorker

Only the first Albanians were welcomed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tips were welcomed but not required.

The New York Times

Assaults from the other side were welcomed.

The New Yorker

At first they were welcomed warmly.

The Economist

Her words were welcomed by many.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Visitors were welcomed.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the subject of the phrase "were welcomed" clearly identifies who or what is being received or accepted. For instance, "The refugees were welcomed by the community" leaves no ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the subject of "were welcomed" is clearly defined. For example, instead of saying "It was welcomed", specify what "it" refers to, such as "The proposal was welcomed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were welcomed" functions as a passive voice verb phrase, indicating that the subject received a warm or positive reception. As Ludwig AI indicates, it signifies acceptance or approval. The examples illustrate its usage in various contexts, from welcoming refugees to accepting policy changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Unknown/unmatched sources

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were welcomed" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate that someone or something received a positive reception. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently in various sources, especially in news media and science. Its function is to convey approval or acceptance, and its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for a broad range of contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Some alternatives include "were well received" or "greeted warmly", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were well received

Indicates the manner was positive and of high quality.

greeted warmly

Focuses on the manner of greeting, emphasizing enthusiasm and friendliness.

were gladly received

Highlights the willingness and pleasure in receiving someone or something.

received favorably

Emphasizes the positive nature of the reception, focusing on the outcome.

were given a warm reception

Replaces the verb "welcomed" with a noun phrase, emphasizing the overall experience.

were given a hospitable welcome

Emphasizes the kindness and generosity of the welcome.

were embraced

Implies a stronger, more affectionate form of acceptance.

had a positive reception

Focuses on the result of being welcomed, emphasizing its positive nature.

met with acceptance

Highlights the act of accepting someone or something, rather than simply greeting them.

found acceptance

Suggests that acceptance was actively sought or discovered.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were welcomed" indicates that someone or something was received with pleasure or approval. For example, "The new policies "were welcomed" by the public".

What are some alternatives to "were welcomed"?

You can use phrases like "were well received", "were greeted warmly", or "met with acceptance" as alternatives to "were welcomed", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was welcomed" instead of "were welcomed"?

No, "was welcomed" is used for singular subjects, while "were welcomed" is used for plural subjects. For example, "The guest was welcomed" (singular) versus "The guests "were welcomed"" (plural).

What is the difference between "welcomed" and "were welcomed"?

"Welcomed" is the past participle form of the verb, often used in perfect tenses or as an adjective. "Were welcomed" is the past passive form, indicating that the subject received the action of being welcomed. For instance, "They have welcomed the new member" (active) versus "The new member "were welcomed"" (passive).