we are shown

USAGE SUMMARY

"we are shown" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an active sentence construction in the passive voice, and it is typically used to describe the passive subject (we) being the recipient of the action (shown). Example: During the museum tour, we are shown the iconic painting by Vincent van Gogh.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is how we are shown it.

Independent

We are shown to our room.

The Guardian - Travel

We are shown into the green room, a schoolhouse.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We are confident that we are shown everything".

The Guardian

We are shown videos of the Cultural Revolution.

The New Yorker

We are shown how some fine columnists put friendship first.

The New York Times

"We are ready to cooperate if we are shown evidence.

The Guardian

It isn't what we are shown that makes us believe.

Independent

We are shown how objects structured social and political life.

Independent

Most of what we are shown starts at $225,000 and runs higher.

The New York Times

From everything we are shown in this gripping film, psychopaths are born callous.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are shown" when you want to emphasize that something is being presented or revealed to a group of people, rather than focusing on who is doing the showing. This is especially useful in descriptive or narrative writing.

Common error

Avoid using "we are shown" when the active voice is more appropriate. For example, instead of "We are shown the data by the analyst", consider "The analyst showed us the data" for a more direct and impactful sentence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we are shown" is to indicate a passive reception of visual information. It highlights that we (the subject) are the recipients of an action (being shown) rather than the performers. Ludwig confirms that this is an active sentence construction in the passive voice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are shown" is a grammatically sound and commonly used construction in the English language. As Ludwig AI points out, it represents an active sentence in the passive voice, indicating that the subject we are the recipients of the action of being shown. Its primary function is to describe the presentation or revelation of visual information. Given its prevalence in news and media sources, the register tends to be neutral. When using this phrase, prioritize clarity and ensure that the emphasis remains on what's being presented, rather than who is presenting it. Consider alternatives like "we are presented with" or "we see" to ensure the most accurate conveyance of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are presented with

Emphasizes the act of something being formally presented or given to the group.

we are given to see

Highlights the act of granting access to view or understand something.

it is revealed to us

Focuses on the revealing aspect, emphasizing that something previously unknown is now disclosed.

we are exposed to

Implies a direct experience or encounter with something, often something new or impactful.

we observe

Focuses on the action of watching or noticing something.

we witness

Suggests a more significant or impactful observation, often implying something noteworthy or important.

we are made aware of

Highlights the gaining of knowledge or understanding about something.

we come to see

Indicates a gradual understanding or realization over time.

we see

A more direct and simple way of saying that we are viewing something.

we understand

Focuses on comprehension rather than visual presentation.

FAQs

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

Use "we are shown" to describe something presented or revealed to a group. For instance, "In the documentary, "we are shown" the impact of climate change on coastal communities."

What phrases are similar to "we are shown"?

Alternatives include "we are presented with", "it is revealed to us", or simply "we see", depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "we are shown"?

The passive voice with "we are shown" is useful when the emphasis is on what's being presented rather than who is presenting it. If the actor is important, use the active voice: "The guide showed us the exhibit."

What's the difference between "we are shown" and "we see"?

"We are shown" implies a deliberate act of presentation, whereas "we see" is a more general observation. For example, "We visited the museum and "we saw" many artifacts" versus "We are shown the company's new product line at the conference".