we were appointed

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were appointed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about yourself and others being given a job or responsibility. For example: "We were appointed to lead the project and found the perfect solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

So we were appointed as a team to this scenario.

The Guardian

When we were appointed by the Ministry of Defence to manage the redevelopment of the former Aldershot Garrison we found that Aldershot needed the new scheme to help revitalise the town.

The Guardian

In August 1999, we were appointed to the independent National Commission on Terrorism, which Congress established after the embassy bombings in Africa to assess the growing threat against America.

The New York Times

In September last year we were appointed Co-Editors of the AENJ following the resignation of Toni McCallum.

Australian Emergency Nursing Journal

"We have been running this club on a shoestring since we were appointed.

BBC

"Since we were appointed preferred bidder in December we have had more than 20 meetings with a number of groups trying to address concerns".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

We are appointed by editors based on a number of factors including knowledge and experience and an ability to write.

The Guardian

After all, the job we are appointed to do is to read the most highly charged advocacy for a particular position -- the briefs submitted by counsel for the parties before us -- and then choose among the competing interests consistent with our interpretation of the law.

The New York Times

Going forward, we are appointing a C.E.O. of Thanksgiving.

The New York Times - Food

We're appointing ourselves "buzzword czars," bent on putting "strict limits" on their use and proliferation.

The New York Times

We are appointing three people to the joint venture - most important is the quality officer of the whole project.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were appointed", clearly state the entity or organization that made the appointment to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were appointed" without specifying the appointer, as it can create ambiguity. Always clarify who did the appointing to ensure your sentence is clear and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were appointed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (we) received an action (being appointed). As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to describe a formal assignment or selection, often highlighting the result rather than the actor.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were appointed" is a grammatically correct passive voice construction used to indicate that a group, including the speaker, has been officially assigned a role or task. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While the phrase is most commonly found in news and scientific contexts, it's important to provide clear context by specifying who made the appointment to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "we were selected" or "we were assigned" can be used depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey. Remember, clarity and context are key when using this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were designated

Focuses on the act of formally assigning a specific role or status.

we were selected

Highlights the choice made from a larger group of candidates.

we were chosen

Emphasizes the act of picking someone or some people from a set of possibilities.

we were named

Emphasizes the act of officially declaring someone to have a role.

we were assigned

Indicates a task or duty was given to a team.

we were commissioned

Highlights being formally instructed to perform a service or task.

we were entrusted

Emphasizes being given a responsibility and trust.

we were mandated

Highlights a formal command or authorization.

we were installed

Refers to formally placing someone in a position of authority.

we were established

Focuses on setting up a team or group.

FAQs

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

Use "we were appointed" to indicate that you and others received a formal assignment or role. For example, "We were appointed by the board to oversee the project".

What are some alternatives to "we were appointed"?

You can use alternatives like "we were selected", "we were chosen", or "we were assigned" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use the active or passive voice when describing an appointment?

Using the active voice (e.g., "The board appointed us") is often clearer and more direct. However, the passive voice ("we were appointed") can be useful when the appointer is unknown or less important than the appointment itself.

What does it mean when someone says "we were appointed"?

It means that a group, including the speaker, has been officially chosen or assigned to a particular task, position, or responsibility.