we were consumed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were consumed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being overwhelmed or deeply affected by something, often in an emotional or metaphorical sense. Example: "As the news of the tragedy spread, we were consumed by grief and disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"We were consumed by finding our story," she said.

The New York Times

We were consumed with this campaign, tapping the power of local and international solidarity.

The Guardian

From the box seats to the bleachers, we were consumed by love of the Dodgers.

The New York Times - Books

While we were consumed with Rocker, analyzing his words as if they were preceded by thought, an Arizona relief pitcher named Bobby Chouinard is being accused of choking and slapping his wife on Christmas for refusing to buy him more beer.

The New York Times - Sports

Before we knew it, we were consumed by the idea that everything was strategic and nothing was tactical.

Forbes

We were consumed.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"So we're consumed by that.

The New York Times - Sports

For we are consumed by Thine anger and by Thy wrath are we troubled.

The New Yorker

Twelfth Night is comedy unsurpassable, and on the stage we are consumed by hilarity at Malvolio's terrible humiliations.

The Guardian - Books

We live in an age of contradictions: we are consumed by globalisation and its effects, and yet mainstream media are in many ways more provincial in their outlook.

The Guardian

Instead, we are consumed by a debate about how to protect the housing wealth of people who might need care in the future.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were consumed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing this state of being. Providing specific details enhances the impact and clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "we were consumed" for mild interest or slight engagement. This phrase implies a strong, almost overwhelming degree of involvement or emotional impact. Consider using less intense alternatives like "we were interested" or "we were involved" for less significant scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were consumed" functions as a declarative statement, typically expressing a state of being overwhelmed or deeply engrossed in something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. The examples provided show its use in diverse contexts, from emotional responses to intellectual absorption.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Huffington Post

12%

Vice

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were consumed" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to depict a state of being thoroughly overwhelmed or deeply engrossed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it effectively conveys a strong sense of involvement or emotional impact. It is particularly common in news and media contexts, where it serves to highlight the intensity of experiences. Alternatives such as "we were engrossed" or "we were overwhelmed" can be used to express similar sentiments with slightly different nuances. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly communicates the cause of this state and avoid using it for situations involving only slight interest or engagement. It's essential to ensure that the strength of the language fits the intensity of the situation being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were engrossed

Replaces "consumed" with "engrossed", indicating a state of being completely occupied with something. "Engrossed" emphasizes mental absorption.

we were overwhelmed

Substitutes "consumed" with "overwhelmed", highlighting the feeling of being overpowered by something, often emotionally.

we were captivated

Replaces "consumed" with "captivated", suggesting a state of being charmed or fascinated, focusing on the allure of the subject.

we were absorbed

Uses "absorbed" instead of "consumed", implying a state of being completely immersed in something, losing awareness of surroundings.

we were preoccupied

Replaces "consumed" with "preoccupied", suggesting that thoughts are dominated by something, often to the exclusion of other concerns.

we were immersed

Substitutes "consumed" with "immersed", emphasizing a deep involvement or engagement with something.

we were engulfed

Uses "engulfed" instead of "consumed", highlighting the feeling of being surrounded and overcome by something, often emotionally or metaphorically.

we were fixated

Replaces "consumed" with "fixated", suggesting an obsessive focus on something, sometimes to an unhealthy degree.

we were obsessed

Similar to fixated, but stronger; implies an all-consuming preoccupation with something.

we were preoccupied with

Specifies the object of preoccupation, adding detail.

FAQs

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

Use "we were consumed" to describe a state of being completely engrossed, overwhelmed, or deeply affected by something. For example, "We were consumed by the thrilling plot of the novel."

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

You can use alternatives like "we were engrossed", "we were overwhelmed", or "we were captivated" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "we was consumed" instead of "we were consumed"?

No, "we was consumed" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "we were consumed", as "were" is the past tense plural form of the verb "to be" and agrees with the plural pronoun "we".

What's the difference between "we were consumed by" and "we were interested in"?

"We were consumed by" implies a much stronger level of engagement and emotional impact than "we were interested in". /s/We+were+interested+in suggests a mild curiosity or attention, while "we were consumed by" suggests an all-encompassing focus or feeling.