we were commanded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were commanded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to being given an order or directive by someone in authority. Example: "During the meeting, we were commanded to complete the project by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The one we were commanded not to eat from".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"That is why we were able to win the gulf war -- because we were commanding a military that had been rebuilt in the 1980's.

The New York Times

This is the sort of thing that gives historians a rampant case of the smugs, because if we were commanding the operation we would have spotted it.

The Guardian - Film

"Before 9/11, we had gotten to a point where we were commanding some really strong rates for a Class A building," said Stephen Budorick, senior vice president of New York-based Trizec Properties Inc., which has a controlling interest in the 3.4-million-square-foot building.

The New York Times

That is what I think we are commanded by Christ to do".

Independent

We are commanded to worship God alone, and for our sins we are answerable to no one but Him.

The Guardian - Opinion

She argued that "ought" has become "a word of mere mesmeric force", since it no longer has the corollary "because we are commanded by God".

The Guardian

Ethics can be founded on the instinct of self-preservation after all, we are commanded to love otherself-preservation after

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The creative economy is supposedly taking over, and we are commanded by pundits to nurture our children's creative talents so that we can help them race against automation in the labor markets.

TechCrunch

In other words, we are commanded to live the arduous and difficult life of Christian honestas, ruled by restraint, self-denial, and propriety (temperance), and, at the same time, to live a hedonist life, which consists of the joyful, free, and natural gratification of the senses.

SEP

We are commanded, like Moses, to be radiant.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were commanded" when you want to emphasize the authority or source behind the instruction. It's stronger than saying "we were told".

Common error

Avoid using "we were commanded" in casual conversation. It implies a formal or authoritative directive that may sound out of place in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were commanded" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject ('we') received an order or instruction from an external authority. This is supported by the examples provided by Ludwig, where the phrase is used to describe directives in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were commanded" is grammatically correct and commonly employed to indicate that a group ('we') received a directive from an authority. According to Ludwig, it is a passive construction that emphasizes the obligation to follow instructions. While versatile, its use is most appropriate in neutral to formal settings, as it conveys a sense of authority. While the phrase appears in many contexts, it is more frequently used in News & Media sources. When choosing alternative phrases, consider the context and the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we received orders

Focuses on the reception of instructions, rather than the act of being commanded.

we were ordered

Directly implies a strict and authoritative command.

we were instructed

Emphasizes guidance and teaching rather than direct orders.

we were directed

Highlights the act of being guided towards a specific action.

we were told to

A more informal way of expressing an instruction or command.

we were tasked with

Emphasizes the assignment of a specific task or responsibility.

we had a mandate

Highlights the authority and backing behind the instruction.

we were charged with

Highlights the responsibility and importance of the assigned task.

it was our duty

Focuses on obligation and responsibility rather than a direct command.

we were bound by

Suggests a formal or legal obligation to follow the command.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we were commanded"?

You can use alternatives like "we were instructed", "we were directed", or "we received orders" depending on the context.

Is "we were commanded" formal or informal?

"We were commanded" is generally considered a formal phrase, suggesting a directive from a position of authority. Consider alternatives like "we were told" in less formal situations.

How to use "we were commanded" in a sentence?

Use "we were commanded" when you want to emphasize that an order or instruction was given by someone in authority. For example: "During the training exercise, "we were commanded" to advance to the next position".

What's the difference between "we were instructed" and "we were commanded"?

"We were instructed" suggests guidance or teaching, while ""we were commanded"" implies a more direct and authoritative order. The level of formality and the source of the directive are the main differences.