we were commended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were commended" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to receiving praise or recognition for actions or achievements. Example: "After the successful project completion, we were commended by our manager for our hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Strikingly, first, he insists that the good life is a life of activity; no state suffices, since we are commended and praised for living good lives, and we are rightly commended or praised only for things we do (EN 1105b20 1106a13).

SEP

We are commending the supervisor for taking the first steps in having it come down".

The New York Times

Why? First, we don't always know how or why that person lost the weight for which we are commending them.

Huffington Post

In the past, Saudi leaders were commended for their pragmatism.

Independent

The lead actors were commended.

Wikipedia

Bulteel and Meriton were commended.

Wikipedia

The port's enhanced visuals were commended by many reviewers.

Wikipedia

"You can criticize ESPN for many things, but as a company, we should be commended for the fact that we're now starting the process of putting women in these roles". Burke is a familiar face to basketball fans.

Forbes

We should be commended for moving slowly, especially since federal standards have not been enacted.

The New York Times

3M declined a request for an interview, but it released a statement claiming that it "is deeply committed to responsible business operations and we have been commended and awarded for our innovative solutions to addressing these global environmental challenges".

The Guardian

Credit Suisse analyst Jonathan Pierce said in a note: "We think A&L should be commended for the liquidity facility implemented but feel the second round effects on earnings continue to be overlooked by the market.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were commended" when you want to express that a group or team received formal praise or acknowledgment for their efforts or achievements. Ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the commending and for what reason.

Common error

Avoid using "we were commended" in informal settings, as it can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler phrases like "we were praised" or "we got a shout-out" when communicating with friends or colleagues in a casual environment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were commended" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a group received praise or formal recognition. Ludwig AI suggests that it is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a situation where a collective 'we' received commendation.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were commended" is a grammatically sound and formal way to express that a group has received praise or recognition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While it is suitable for professional and academic contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferred in informal settings. Understanding the level of formality and the specific context will help you use this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we received praise

Replaces "commended" with a more common synonym, "praise", maintaining the same grammatical structure.

we were recognized for

Adds "for" to specify the reason for the commendation.

we were lauded

Substitutes "commended" with "lauded", which implies more formal and emphatic praise.

praise was given to us

Changes the sentence structure to passive voice, emphasizing the praise.

we were applauded

Replaces "commended" with "applauded", suggesting public approval or admiration.

we earned accolades

Changes the structure to focus on earning recognition, using the noun "accolades".

we were given credit

Focuses on receiving acknowledgment for contributions or achievements.

we gained recognition

Shifts the focus to receiving acknowledgment, using the noun "recognition".

we were honored

Indicates receiving a formal honor or award, rather than simple commendation.

we were celebrated

Suggests a more public and festive form of recognition.

FAQs

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

Use "we were commended" to indicate formal praise or recognition, such as "After the successful project, we were commended by the CEO for our innovative approach."

What is a less formal alternative to "we were commended"?

Alternatives like "we were praised", "we got recognized", or "we were given credit" offer a less formal way to express similar sentiments.

Is "we were commended" more appropriate in writing or speech?

"We were commended" is generally more suitable for formal writing or professional communication due to its slightly elevated register. In everyday speech, simpler alternatives may be preferred.

What's the difference between "we were commended" and "we were congratulated"?

"We were commended" implies praise for a job well done or a specific achievement, while "we were congratulated" suggests expressing pleasure at someone's success or good fortune.