we were congratulated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were congratulated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where a group of people received praise or acknowledgment for an achievement or milestone. Example: "After the successful presentation, we were congratulated by our peers for our hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Upon our return to Kabini Lodge, we were congratulated.

The New York Times - Travel

When dinner ended at 9 15, we were congratulated for our efficiency.

The New York Times

As we left Sophia's, we were congratulated on our choices, gently reproved for not having stopped by since the days of Marty's, and heartily encouraged to return ("don't stay away so long this time!").

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Right as we were congratulating ourselves, the first ocean wave hit the river mouth.

The New York Times - Travel

We were congratulating each other on our meteorological wisdom... when the tempest hit.

The Guardian - Travel

"We got off stage and we were congratulating each other and then we realised: they're still cheering".

The Guardian - Music

It feels like just yesterday we were congratulating the winners of our TC Meetup + Pitch-Off in Austin, and yet we're less than a month away from the very next epic evening of startuptacular pitchemonium.

TechCrunch

"We are congratulated for having plastic surgery".

The New Yorker

He said of the Hebron attack, "We are congratulating the Islamic world -- all Muslims -- for such a successful operation".

The New York Times

We're congratulating ourselves on the historic high of 20 women in the Senate, even though there are still four men to every one of them and, among governors, nine men to every woman.

The New York Times

We're congratulating ourselves too much when we manage to obtain peace outside the grips of the digital world.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were congratulated" when you want to emphasize that your group received acknowledgment or praise for a specific achievement, placing the focus on the reception of that praise.

Common error

Avoid using "we were congratulated" when you want to highlight the actor doing the congratulating. In such cases, an active voice construction like "They congratulated us" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were congratulated" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (we) received an action (congratulations) from an unspecified agent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were congratulated" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, denoting the reception of praise or acknowledgment by a group for an achievement. Ludwig AI confirms this. While not exceedingly common, it appears in a range of contexts, particularly in news and media, and is generally considered to have a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intent to emphasize the receipt of praise rather than the act of giving it. Consider alternatives like "we received praise" for a more general expression, or "we were commended" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we received praise

Replaces "congratulated" with the more general term "praise".

we were commended

Substitutes "congratulated" with "commended", implying formal approval.

we were lauded

Replaces "congratulated" with "lauded", indicating enthusiastic praise.

we were applauded

Uses "applauded" in place of "congratulated", suggesting approval from an audience.

we earned accolades

Changes to an active construction emphasizing the earning of positive recognition.

we were given kudos

Uses the informal term "kudos" instead of "congratulations".

congratulations were extended to us

Reverses the sentence structure to emphasize the act of congratulating.

we were celebrated

Uses "celebrated" to indicate recognition that may include festivities.

we gained recognition

Shifts the focus to the act of gaining recognition rather than receiving congratulations.

we were felicitated

Replaces "congratulated" with the more formal and somewhat archaic "felicitated".

FAQs

What does "we were congratulated" mean?

The phrase "we were congratulated" means that a group of people received praise or positive feedback for something they accomplished or achieved. It implies acknowledgment and approval from others.

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

You can use "we were congratulated" to describe a situation where your group received praise. For example: "After presenting the successful marketing campaign, "we were congratulated" by the CEO."

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

Alternatives to "we were congratulated" include phrases like "we received praise", "we were commended", or "we were lauded", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "we were congratulated" formal or informal?

"We were congratulated" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. The level of formality can depend on the context and the specific alternative used. For example, "we were felicitated" is more formal than "we were given kudos".