we were classmates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were classmates" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a past relationship or connection between two or more people who were in the same class at school, college, or another educational institution. Example: "I recently ran into an old friend from high school. We were classmates in our English literature class, and it was great to catch up after all these years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"We were classmates in law school.

The New York Times

Well, we were classmates in school.

The New Yorker

(I first heard him when we were classmates in junior high school).

The New York Times

Much more important, we were classmates in school, and I would say that we took somewhat different roads.

The New Yorker

Since we were classmates and share many friends, is it a faux pas for me to set my date before hers?

The New York Times

He's very smart (we were classmates in college, at Fordham University) and I'm told he's very good at what he does.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I also finished the program in 2015, shortly before Judy so we are classmates.

University of California, Berkeley

Katherine Brokaw and I were classmates.

The New York Times - Magazine

He and Kauser were classmates.

The Guardian

"K >atherine Brokaw and I were classmates.

The New York Times - Magazine

Marjorie Fortunoff and I were classmates.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "we were classmates" to clearly and concisely establish a shared educational background between individuals, providing context for their relationship or shared experiences.

Common error

Avoid using present tense when referring to a past relationship as classmates. For example, don't say "we are classmates" when you mean "we were classmates" if the educational experience is over.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were classmates" functions as a statement indicating a past relationship between individuals who attended the same classes. This is supported by Ludwig's examples where it's used to establish context about a prior shared experience.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were classmates" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to indicate a past shared educational experience. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's commonly found in news articles, academic texts, and business contexts. While not as ubiquitous as other common phrases, it serves as a straightforward way to establish a connection based on past school attendance. The phrase is best used to provide context or background information about individuals and their relationships. Remember to avoid using present tense if the class is already ended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were schoolmates

Uses a slightly less common synonym for classmates.

we attended school together

Rephrases the relationship emphasizing shared attendance at an educational institution.

we were in the same class

Focuses on being in the same specific class rather than generally classmates.

we shared classes

Highlights the shared experience of taking the same courses.

we went to school together

General statement about sharing the same educational institution.

we studied together

Emphasizes the act of studying together, implying a closer relationship.

we were in the same year

Specifies being in the same academic year, not necessarily the same class.

we were fellow students

Highlights the shared identity as students in the same institution.

we were at school simultaneously

A more formal way of stating that they attended the same school at the same time.

we knew each other from school

Indicates familiarity due to shared schooling experience, but not necessarily classmates.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were classmates" to establish a shared educational background, such as "I ran into John; "we were classmates" in college".

What's a synonym for "we were classmates"?

Alternatives include "we attended school together", "we were schoolmates", or "we were fellow students", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "we are classmates" if the class ended?

No, if the class has ended, the correct phrase is ""we were classmates"". "We are classmates" implies the class is currently ongoing.

What's the difference between "we were classmates" and "we were friends from school"?

"We were classmates" specifically refers to sharing classes together, while "we were friends from school" is broader and could include people you knew through extracurricular activities or other school-related contexts, not just classes.