we were briefed that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were briefed that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information or instructions that were provided to a group or individual, typically in a formal or professional context. Example: "During the meeting, we were briefed that the project deadline has been moved up by two weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"We were briefed that they might do it," he said.

The New York Times

"We were briefed that, without a doubt, this was a nuclear-related facility, and there was signals intelligence linking the construction brigade at Kumchang-ri to the nuclear complex at Yongbyon," the former State Department intelligence expert recalled.

The New Yorker

We were briefed that many of the politicians' assumptions had turned out to be incorrect.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ward said the crew had been briefed that morning about weather conditions they might face.

Los Angeles Times

Usually MIGs can be found at 15 to 20,000 feet but we had intel and were briefed that they were now changing strategy and going further down".

Huffington Post

The CCN team were briefed that we particularly wanted to focus on fathers who took an active role in caring for their child.

BMC Nursing

Reporters were briefed that Tomlinson had died of "natural causes".

The Guardian

Furthermore, regulators say they are not certain that the trustees for these funds were briefed that certain funds that they oversaw would accept market timers.

The New York Times

Officers were briefed that he was providing logistical and financial support to terrorists abroad.

BBC

Those involved were briefed that they were responding to a terror attack on the Tube network in August, in the midst of the Olympic Games.

BBC

Respondents were ensured about the confidentiality, they were briefed that their participation is voluntary and they have full right to withdraw from the study at any point.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were briefed that" to indicate that you or your team received specific information or instructions, often in a formal setting. This phrase conveys a sense of preparation and knowledge transfer.

Common error

Avoid using "we were briefed that" in casual conversation or informal writing. This phrase is best suited for professional or official contexts where specific information was formally conveyed. In informal situations, alternatives like "we were told that" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were briefed that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing information that was formally conveyed. It indicates that the speaker or writer received specific details or instructions, often in a professional or official context. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples in its database.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were briefed that" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce information received in a formal briefing, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly used in news and professional contexts, it indicates structured knowledge transfer. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context and avoid using it in overly casual settings, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate. Always aim for clarity and precision in your writing, ensuring the chosen phrase aligns with the intended tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were informed that

Changes 'briefed' to 'informed', indicating a general conveyance of information without specifying the level of detail.

we were told that

Replaces 'briefed' with 'told', suggesting a simple imparting of information.

we received information that

Uses 'received information' instead of 'briefed', highlighting the reception of data.

we were advised that

Substitutes 'briefed' with 'advised', implying guidance or recommendations were given.

we were instructed that

Replaces 'briefed' with 'instructed', emphasizing a more directive communication.

we were given to understand that

Emphasizes the interpretation of information received.

it was explained to us that

Focuses on the act of explanation rather than a formal briefing.

we learned that

Indicates the acquisition of knowledge without specifying the method.

we gathered that

Suggests the information was collected from various sources, not just a single briefing.

we had it on good authority that

Highlights the reliability of the information source.

FAQs

What does "we were briefed that" mean?

The phrase "we were briefed that" means that someone received specific information or instructions, usually in a formal or professional setting. It implies a structured conveyance of knowledge to prepare someone for a task or situation.

What can I say instead of "we were briefed that"?

You can use alternatives like "we were informed that", "we were told that", or "we received information that" depending on the context.

Is "we were briefed that" formal or informal?

"We were briefed that" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional or official communications. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "we were told that" may be more appropriate.

How to use "we were briefed that" in a sentence?

You can use "we were briefed that" to introduce information or instructions you received. For example, "We were briefed that the project deadline has been moved forward" or "We were briefed that new safety protocols were in place".