we were alerted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were alerted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has been informed or made aware of a situation or event. Example: "We were alerted to the potential security breach by our monitoring system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

We were alerted to this situation last summer.

The Guardian - Sport

We were alerted at 6 20 A.M. that he'd been surrounded.

The New Yorker

We were alerted to the absence of the legendary biscuit by a concerned reader.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Last year, in Sean McGrath's post on Digital Law, we were alerted to what lawyers need to learn from accountants.

Cornell University

Thanks to a reader, we were alerted to the fact that the domain name, SaveNewark.org, was registered to A6 Media.

The New York Times

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "At 5.11pm we were alerted to a disturbance at Terminal 5 where officers attended.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

At the time, we were alerting using one system and drawing metrics with another.

The Guardian

We are alerted that a child is involved.

The New York Times

"How can we be alerted when someone is entering the subway?

The New York Times - Magazine

But these are all planned events -- we're alerted to them in advance.

The New York Times - Arts

"From time to time we are alerted to oversights such as this in our mapping system.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were alerted", ensure the context clearly indicates who 'we' refers to and what the source of the alert was. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were alerted" excessively, as it can create a passive tone. Sometimes, an active voice construction like "A reader alerted us" can be more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were alerted" functions as a passive construction indicating that the subject ('we') received a notification or warning. It highlights the reception of information rather than the action of alerting. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were alerted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction indicating that a notification or warning was received. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it conveys that a piece of information, often significant, prompted a subsequent action. While alternatives like "we were notified" or "we were informed" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance desired. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the source and recipient of the alert is paramount. Overuse should be avoided to prevent a monotonous passive voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were notified

A more formal and direct synonym for "alerted".

we were informed

Similar to 'notified', but can imply a more thorough or detailed communication.

we received notification

Focuses on the act of receiving information, rather than the state of being alerted.

we became aware

Emphasizes the gaining of knowledge or realization of something.

we were made aware

Similar to 'became aware', but with a more formal tone.

we were warned

Specifically indicates a cautionary notice about potential danger or problems.

we were advised

Suggests receiving guidance or a recommendation.

it came to our attention

A more passive way of saying that information was received.

we detected

Implies the use of a system or process to discover something.

we discovered

Indicates finding something, often unexpectedly.

FAQs

How can I use "we were alerted" in a sentence?

You can use "we were alerted" to indicate that you or your organization received a notification or warning. For example, "We were alerted to a security breach by our monitoring system".

What can I say instead of "we were alerted"?

You can use alternatives like "we were notified", "we were informed", or "it came to our attention" depending on the context.

Is "we were alerted" formal or informal?

"We were alerted" is generally considered neutral to formal in tone and can be used in a variety of contexts, including news reports and business communications.

What's the difference between "we were alerted" and "we were warned"?

"We were alerted" indicates that you received information about something, while "we were warned" specifically indicates receiving a cautionary notice about potential danger or problems.