we are moved

USAGE SUMMARY

'we are moved' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of deep emotion or to describe physical movement. For example: We are moved by the beauty of the mountains. OR After the political speech, many in the audience were moved to tears.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are moved and enlightened as well.

The New York Times - Books

We are moved by grief-stricken families and maimed bodies.

The New York Times

"We are moved by what you told us.

The Guardian

We are moved upstairs, to a room on the eighth floor.

The New Yorker

We are moved because the endearment is literally true — and may well remain true, for life.

The New Yorker

Time and time again we are moved by his narratives of how men refuse erasure.

The Guardian - Books

Time and time again we are moved by his narratives of how men refuse erasure.

The Guardian - Books

And yet we are moved by this woman, as, inarguably, Brecht meant us to be.

The Guardian

If we are moved, are we experiencing what they are feeling or what we are feeling?

The New Yorker

We are moved by a sense of joy and exhilaration when the grass turns green and the flowers bloom.

Independent

Every adult has their own time lost, their youth, and so we are moved by seeing kids in movies".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are moved" to express genuine emotional impact or when describing a collective emotional response to an event, story, or experience. For example, "We are moved by the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity."

Common error

Avoid using "we are moved" excessively in formal business or academic writing where a more objective or analytical tone is expected. Consider alternatives like "we observe", "we note", or "we acknowledge" to maintain a professional distance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are moved" functions primarily as a statement of emotional impact. According to Ludwig, it expresses a deep feeling or empathy. This contrasts with physical movement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are moved" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that primarily conveys a shared emotional experience or a sense of inspiration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can refer to a feeling of deep emotion or to physical relocation. While primarily found in news and media contexts, its usage extends to science and academia, albeit less frequently. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended tone, avoiding overuse in formal settings. Alternatives like "we are touched" or "we are inspired" may offer more precise emotional nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are touched

Emphasizes the state of being emotionally affected, omitting the action.

we feel touched

Focuses on the feeling of being emotionally affected.

we are affected

Indicates a general influence or impact.

we are stirred

Suggests a strong emotional arousal or excitement.

we are inspired

Highlights the sense of motivation and upliftment.

we are motivated

Focuses on the drive to take action.

we are impressed

Focuses on admiration and respect.

we are influenced

Emphasizes the impact on one's thoughts or actions.

we are compelled

Highlights a sense of obligation or necessity.

we are driven

Suggests a strong motivation or ambition.

FAQs

What does "we are moved" mean?

The phrase "we are moved" typically expresses a feeling of deep emotion, empathy, or inspiration in response to something experienced or observed. It can also describe a physical relocation.

How can I use "we are moved" in a sentence?

You can use "we are moved" to describe an emotional response, such as "We are moved by their dedication" or to describe a physical relocation, as in "We are moved to the new office location".

What are some alternatives to "we are moved"?

Alternatives include phrases like "we are touched", "we are inspired", or "we feel compelled" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "we are moved" or "we were moved"?

The choice between "we are moved" and "we were moved" depends on the timing of the emotion. Use "we are moved" to express a current feeling, and "we were moved" to describe a past emotional experience.