we were amazed that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were amazed that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express surprise or astonishment about a particular situation or fact. Example: "We were amazed that the team completed the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"We were amazed that could happen," she said.

The New York Times

"We were amazed that it was so difficult to find a guillotine," Mr. Clair said.

The New York Times - Arts

We were amazed that it was left out of the story for so long".

The New York Times - Arts

We were amazed that it could have several activities going on at once in its little nervous system.

The New Yorker

Over meals with shipmates, the same themes came up — we were amazed that such wildness exists, grateful to be able to experience it so intimately.

The New York Times - Travel

Stanislav Dmitriyevsky, one of the activists, said: "We were amazed that authorities would do something this ridiculous; secretly sneaking Masha out of jail so that she would not walk free to her family, friends and reporters waiting for her outside the prison walls with flowers".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Frankly, we're amazed that the magazine managed to find 373,727 guys dunderheaded enough to subscribe.

The Washington Post

"We're amazed that former Mayor Koch would comment on a criminal investigation he knows nothing about," Mr. Schmetterer said.

The New York Times

We are amazed that the dilemma of love among the services has not already reached the movie houses.

The New Yorker

"I think, just like most everybody, we're amazed that it's been this long before he won," Jarrett said of Rudd.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're amazed that the number-one way our Words With Friends players find new opponents in their game is through the 'random' button.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were amazed that" to express genuine surprise or astonishment at an unexpected event or discovery. Ensure the context clearly indicates what caused the amazement.

Common error

Avoid overusing "we were amazed that" for minor or insignificant events. Reserve it for situations that truly warrant a strong expression of surprise, otherwise, it may diminish the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were amazed that" functions as an expression of surprise or astonishment. It indicates a reaction to an unexpected or remarkable event, often used to highlight findings or observations that deviate from expectations. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is perfectly acceptable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were amazed that" is a common and grammatically sound way to express surprise or astonishment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad usability. While it's prevalent in news and media, science and formal contexts, writers should be mindful of its intensity and consider alternative expressions like ""it surprised us that"" or "we found it astonishing that" for nuanced communication. The phrase should be reserved for situations that genuinely warrant a strong expression of surprise to maintain the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we found it astonishing that

Emphasizes the unexpectedness and incredibility of something.

it astonished us that

Shifts the focus to the subject of amazement.

we were astonished to learn that

Specifically highlights the acquisition of surprising knowledge.

it surprised us that

A more general expression of mild surprise.

we were taken aback by the fact that

Indicates a stronger reaction of surprise or shock.

we couldn't believe that

Conveys a sense of disbelief and astonishment.

we were astounded that

Emphasizes a feeling of great surprise and wonder.

to our amazement

A more concise way of expressing surprise.

it was remarkable that

Highlights the unusual or extraordinary nature of something.

we marvelled at the fact that

Implies a sense of wonder and admiration.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we were amazed that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "we found it astonishing that", "it astonished us that", or "we were astounded to learn that". These options offer a similar meaning with a slightly elevated level of formality.

Is "we were amazed that" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "we were amazed that" is generally acceptable in academic writing, particularly when describing unexpected results or findings. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and style of your paper. Consider more formal alternatives if necessary.

What's the difference between "we were surprised that" and "we were amazed that"?

"We were surprised that" indicates a mild level of unexpectedness, while "we were amazed that" conveys a stronger sense of astonishment or wonder. The choice depends on the intensity of the reaction you want to express. See also: "it surprised us that".

How to avoid overuse of the phrase "we were amazed that" in my writing?

To prevent overuse, vary your language by using different expressions of surprise, such as "it was remarkable that", "to our amazement", or "we couldn't believe that". This will keep your writing engaging and avoid monotony. See also: "we couldn't believe that".