we were charged

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were charged" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase in a variety of contexts, such as: "We were charged $50 for the late fees on our overdue library books."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Last year, we were charged £112.

The Guardian - Books

Therefore, we were charged extra for a special call out.

The Guardian - Money

The desserts are listed as $8 on the menu, but we were charged $9 each.

The New York Times

Suddenly, we were charged up, unnerved, and watching things get freaky.

The New Yorker

We paid for exclusive rights, and we were charged for them.

The New York Times

"We were charged with finding something communicable in this garden that is all about big gestures".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"They were charging about half of what we were charging," Ms. Toukou, 34, said.

The New York Times

A click, a locking sound and some flashing lights later we were charging.

The Guardian - Tech

On the gas, we were charging $7.99 a gallon to refuel a car.

The New York Times

We were charging head-on for the ground at breakneck speed.

Huffington Post

For example, we were charging a cesarean section an amount of Tsh.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were charged" to describe a financial transaction, clearly state the amount charged and the reason for the charge to avoid ambiguity. For example: "We were charged $50 for exceeding our data limit."

Common error

Avoid using "we were charged by" when the agent is unclear or unimportant. Instead of "We were charged by someone", specify the entity doing the charging if relevant: "We were charged by the hotel for damages."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were charged" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (we) received a charge. This construction is versatile, covering both financial costs and legal accusations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were charged" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves to report the receipt of a charge, whether financial or legal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for neutral registers and is frequently found in news and media contexts. The phrase can be modified for more formal situations with alternatives like "charges were levied against us", but remains versatile and widely understood in its basic form. Be mindful to clearly specify the amount or the nature of the charge when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were billed

A more concise and direct synonym for "we were charged" in a financial context.

charges were levied against us

Focuses on the formal imposition of charges, often in a legal or official context.

we received a bill for

Emphasizes the receipt of a bill, highlighting the financial aspect of the charge.

we incurred a fee of

Highlights the act of incurring a fee, often due to a specific action or circumstance.

we were assessed

Implies a formal evaluation and subsequent imposition of a charge or fee.

a fee was applied to us

Shifts the focus to the application of the fee, rather than the act of charging.

we had to pay

Highlights the obligation to pay, regardless of the reason for the charge.

we were held accountable

Emphasizes the responsibility and potential consequences associated with the charge or accusation.

accusations were made against us

Focuses on the act of being accused, often in a legal or formal setting.

we faced allegations of

Highlights the presence of allegations, implying a formal accusation or claim.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "charges were levied against us" or "we were assessed", especially in official or legal contexts.

What is a simpler way to say "we were charged"?

A simpler alternative is "we were billed", which is commonly used in everyday conversations about financial transactions.

In what context is it appropriate to use "we were charged"?

"We were charged" can be used in various contexts, including financial transactions (e.g., being billed for a service) and legal situations (e.g., being accused of a crime). The specific meaning depends on the surrounding context.

Is there a difference between "we were charged for" and "we were charged with"?

Yes, "we were charged for" typically refers to financial charges (e.g., "we were charged for the extra baggage"), while "we were charged with" refers to accusations or legal charges (e.g., "we were charged with fraud").