we are said

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are said" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is commonly stated or believed about a group of people or a situation. Example: "In many cultures, it is believed that we are said to have a guardian angel watching over us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Here we are," said Mr. Hunter.

The New Yorker

"Ah, there we are," said the second".

The New Yorker

We are said to be "mad" with grief.

The Guardian - Books

"Yes, we are," said a lady's voice from upstairs.

The New Yorker

"He's behaving the same way we are," said David.

The Guardian

"Here we are," said Kendall Card, of Kamas, Utah.

The New York Times - Travel

"Our babysitter is probably wondering where we are," said Susan Blackburn Griffith '84.

Princeton University

Knowing his creative spirit and willingness to try new things, well, here we are," said Perlo.

Harvard University

"Maybe this is what we are," said Carlesimo, who replaced Avery Johnson on Dec. 27.

The New York Times - Sports

"I told her that's not the kind of company we are," said Mr. Silverton.

The New York Times

"This is who we are," said Mark Murphy, the Packers' president.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are said" when you want to convey that a statement is a common belief or perception without necessarily endorsing it yourself. This is particularly useful in academic or journalistic contexts where objectivity is important.

Common error

Avoid using "we are said" if you are actually stating your own opinion or a fact you can verify. This phrase is best reserved for representing widespread, but not necessarily proven, beliefs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are said" functions as a passive construction used to introduce a statement or belief attributed to an unspecified source. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates a commonly held opinion or widespread perception. It allows the speaker or writer to present an idea without explicitly endorsing it.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are said" is a passive construction employed to introduce statements or beliefs attributed to an unspecified source, functioning to convey commonly held opinions or widespread perceptions without endorsing them. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, often maintaining a neutral or objective tone. While most frequent in news and media, it also appears in academic and scientific writing. Alternatives include "it is believed that we" or "people say that we", with the choice depending on the specific nuance desired. Understanding how to use "we are said" effectively involves recognizing its role in reporting common beliefs and avoiding its use when expressing personal opinions or verifiable facts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is believed we

Emphasizes the belief aspect, rather than the saying or declaration.

we are believed to be

Highlights the state of being believed, adding a slight shift in focus.

we are considered to be

Focuses on consideration or judgment by others.

we are thought to be

Emphasizes a cognitive aspect of thinking about a group.

it's commonly said that we

Adds emphasis on the commonality of the statement.

people say we

A more direct and informal way of expressing common opinion.

it is rumored we

Conveys uncertainty or speculation associated with the statement.

we're known as

Suggests a reputation or widespread knowledge about the group.

we are allegedly

Implies the statement is unproven or potentially untrue.

we are reported to be

Indicates information conveyed through reports or media.

FAQs

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

Use "we are said" to introduce a generally held belief or common perception. For example, "We are said to be a nation of immigrants", indicating that this is a widely accepted idea.

What can I say instead of "we are said"?

Alternatives include "it is believed that we", "we are considered to be", or "people say that we", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

When should I use "we are said" instead of "it is said that we"?

"We are said" emphasizes the group being discussed, while "it is said that we" emphasizes the statement itself. Choose the phrasing that best highlights the focus of your sentence.

Is "we are said" formal or informal?

"We are said" is generally considered neutral to formal, suitable for academic, journalistic, and professional contexts. More informal alternatives include "people say we".