Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
we were approved
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The sentence "We were approved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in which a group or individual has been granted permission or acceptance for something. For example: "We were delighted to learn our application to study abroad had been approved."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
we obtained
we were permitted
we were perceived
we were intrigued
we were shocked
we were moved
we were welcomed
we were presented
we were observed
we were flabbergasted
we were left
we were awarded
we were issued
we were nominated
we were removed
approval was granted
we were accepted
we received
we were granted
we had been given
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
9 human-written examples
We were approved by the owner and received a copy of the lease to sign.
News & Media
"Families for Children was lovely, and we found the adoption process enjoyable, but waiting for a year to find Teddy after we were approved was difficult.
News & Media
We knew we were quite old to be accepted as adoptive parents for young children, so we were thrilled when we were approved to adopt Cammie – she was just 16 months when we brought her home (she's now five).
News & Media
Our offer was accepted by the seller, a down payment of 10percentt was put into escrow, we were approved for the mortgage and we were interviewed by the board.
News & Media
We went to adoption panel and we were approved.
News & Media
When my husband and I bought our first house, we were approved for a mortgage of about three times more than we ultimately ended up spending.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
51 human-written examples
"There was misinformation out there that we were approving a tenant," he said.
News & Media
It decides whether we're approved for a bank loan.
Academia
"We're approved by the Board of Regents, we have a curriculum and we educate the very children that live in this community.
News & Media
"We think, once we're approved and on the market," says Orren, "we are going to see an amazing and wonderful explosion of creativity.
News & Media
It would have to be determined on when we are approved, and how long it takes to put the deal together.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using the phrase "we were approved", ensure that the context clearly indicates what was approved and by whom. Specificity enhances clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "we were approved" without specifying what the approval was for. For example, instead of saying "We were approved", specify, "We were approved for the loan" or "We were approved to conduct the research".
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "we were approved" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group (represented by "we") was the recipient of an action (approval). This suggests an external entity granted permission or acceptance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Science
30%
Formal & Business
30%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "we were approved" is a grammatically sound passive construction, used to communicate that a group has successfully passed an evaluation or met certain requirements, leading to an acceptance or authorization. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and provides diverse examples of its usage across news, science, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's important to specify what was approved to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "we received authorization" and "approval was granted" can offer alternative phrasing depending on the specific nuance desired. The contexts for "we were approved" are mostly neutral/leaning towards professional. As such you can use "we were approved" with confidence.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
we gained approval
Replaces the passive voice with an active construction, emphasizing the action of obtaining approval.
we received authorization
Substitutes "approved" with a synonym that suggests formal permission.
our application was accepted
Focuses on the application being the subject of approval, rather than "we".
we were given the green light
Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the sense of being permitted to proceed.
we met the requirements
Implies approval by fulfilling necessary conditions.
we passed inspection
Suggests approval based on meeting specific standards or criteria.
we were cleared
Indicates that any obstacles or issues preventing approval have been resolved.
we were granted permission
Replaces "approved" with a synonym that highlights the act of granting permission.
we were sanctioned
Suggests a formal or official approval, often by an authority.
we got the go-ahead
Uses a more informal expression than "we were approved".
FAQs
How can I use "we were approved" in a sentence?
The phrase "we were approved" signifies that a request, application, or proposal made by a group has been officially accepted. For instance, you might say, "We were approved to start the project after the board's review".
What's a more formal way to say "we were approved"?
In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "we received authorization" or "approval was granted" to maintain a professional tone.
What does "we were approved" imply?
The phrase implies that a process of evaluation or review has taken place, and a favorable decision has been made. It suggests compliance with certain standards or requirements.
Is it better to say "we were approved" or "we received approval"?
Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same basic meaning. "We were approved" emphasizes the state of being approved, while "we received approval" highlights the act of receiving approval. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested