they invited us

USAGE SUMMARY

"they invited us" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is in the active voice and uses the past tense. You can use "they invited us" to describe a past event where someone extended an invitation to you and others. For example: "Last weekend, our neighbors had a barbecue and they invited us to join them. We had a great time chatting and grilling burgers together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Now the company is opening a series of facilities in the US and they invited us to their first print shop in Long Island City, New York.

TechCrunch

They invited us over on Sunday to watch the Patriots game, using an old-time antenna to receive the signal.

Huffington Post

"They invited us to their studio in Paris and told us we could use whatever inspired us from their existing shapes as well as create our own," recounted Mr. Carney, a designer and illustrator who, with John Ross, owns the Boston-based fashion and decorative accessories company Patch NYC.

The New York Times

"They invited us and we made the team," Yatrakis said.

The New York Times - Sports

And they invited us up to Anwar to hopefully change our mind.

Cornell University

They invited us, so they were anxious to hear us sing.

Princeton University

They invited us in September when they were doing a lot of teams.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

To use a classic cognitive dissonance metaphor, they invite us to smoke and also to know that we shouldn't smoke, because it's lethal.

The Guardian - Books

They invite us".

The New York Times - Sports

They invite us to get up close.

The Guardian - Arts

"Hopefully, they invite us back," he said.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they invited us", ensure the context clearly identifies who "they" refers to. Clarity is key to avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

A common mistake is using "they invited us" without clearly establishing who "they" refers to. Always ensure the context provides a clear antecedent for the pronoun to avoid confusion. For example, instead of saying "They invited us to the party", specify who "they" are: "The Smiths invited us to the party".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they invited us" functions as a declarative statement expressing that an invitation was extended by a group to the speaker and others. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they invited us" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express that a group extended an invitation. Ludwig AI affirms the phrase is correct and usable in various contexts. This phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, making it suitable for neutral or professional communication. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies who "they" refers to for clarity. Consider alternatives like "we were invited" for a passive voice or "we received an invitation" for a more formal tone. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "they invited us" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were invited

Focuses on the recipient of the invitation rather than the initiator.

we received an invitation

Highlights the act of receiving the invitation itself.

we were asked to join

Emphasizes the act of being requested to participate.

we were welcomed

Focuses on the feeling of being received and accepted.

they asked us to come

More direct and emphasizes the request to be present.

we were included

Highlights the aspect of being part of something.

they extended an invitation to us

More formal and emphasizes the act of offering an invitation.

we were bidden

A more archaic and formal way of saying invited.

they requested our presence

Formal and emphasizes the desire for someone's attendance.

we were asked to attend

Focuses on the formal act of attending an event.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they invited us" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could say "we received an invitation" or "they extended an invitation to us". These options emphasize the formality of the invitation itself.

What's a more casual way to say "they invited us"?

In a casual context, you might say "they asked us to come" or "we were asked to join". These options are less formal and more conversational.

Is it always necessary to specify who "they" are when using "they invited us"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying who "they" are can enhance clarity and prevent confusion, especially if the context doesn't make it immediately obvious. This is especially useful in formal writing.

Can "they invited us" be used in the passive voice?

Yes, the passive form would be "we were invited". This shifts the focus from the inviter to the invitee.