we were contracted

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were contracted" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you need to express that you and other people were hired for a job. For example: "Our team was contracted to manage the event from start to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The guys in the minor leagues were going to be drafted once we were contracted".

The New York Times

Because we were contracted to Motown and were in court, we could only produce songs, not write them.

The Guardian

Curt Westergard President, Digital Design & Imaging Service, which uses balloons to do high-angle photography of construction sites We were contracted in 2003 to capture 360-degree panoramic views from 1,376 feet to support the proposed design of Larry Silverstein’s Freedom Tower [to be built at Ground Zero].

Forbes

"And we did all three of those, and that's all we were contracted to do.

Vice

We were contracted for three albums, so after the first one, Electra decides we're gonna do the second album in their LA studios, so we head out there.

Vice

We were contracted for 12!" His solution was to alternate issues that dealt with the overall plot of the series with origin issues for the characters.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

They propose a 'guardian' to ensure safe contract hours, as opposed to the current financial penalty scheme if we are contracted to work unsafe hours.

The Guardian

"We are contracted with U.S. Soccer to do at least 10 Cup qualifiers, then we'll throw in some friendlies," McNeely said.

The New York Times

As far as I'm aware current sticking points are that the government has not agreed terms for financial penalties if we are contracted to work unsafe hours.

The Guardian

Miller, BFBS's longest-serving presenter with more than 30 years on the network, adds: "Effectively, what we're contracted to do is to provide that link – that little bit of Britain.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We have to take direction from our team because that's what we're contracted to do.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were contracted", ensure that the context clearly indicates who contracted your group and for what purpose.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "we were contracted" implies a broader scope of work than what was explicitly defined in the contract. Always refer to the specific terms and conditions to prevent misunderstandings or overstepping your contractual obligations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were contracted" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (we) received the action of being contracted. It is used to denote that a formal agreement or engagement was established, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were contracted" is a grammatically sound and useful way to express that a group or organization was formally hired or engaged for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI validates that this is commonly used in contexts such as news, media, science, and wiki sources. While the phrase is less common, be sure to follow best practices such as clearly defining the scope of the engagement, avoid assuming that "we were contracted" implies a broader scope of work than what was explicitly defined in the contract, and consider using synonyms depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we had a contract

Focuses on the existence of a formal agreement.

we were under agreement

Emphasizes the state of being bound by an agreement.

we were obliged

Highlights the sense of duty or necessity imposed by the contract.

we were engaged

Indicates involvement or participation in a specific task or project.

we were committed

Stresses dedication and responsibility towards fulfilling the contractual terms.

we were hired

Focuses on the act of being employed or engaged for a specific service.

we were commissioned

Highlights the act of being formally instructed or authorized to perform a task.

we were retained

Suggests being kept or reserved for a specific service or purpose.

we undertook the task

Emphasizes the acceptance and commitment to perform a specific duty.

we took on the assignment

Highlights the assumption of responsibility for a particular project or task.

FAQs

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

Use "we were contracted" to indicate that your group or organization had a formal agreement to perform a specific service or task. For example, "we were contracted to provide security services for the event".

What's a less formal way to say "we were contracted"?

Informally, you could say "we were hired" or "we were brought on" to do something, depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "we were contracted" and "we were in contract"?

"We were contracted" emphasizes the act of being hired or engaged for a specific purpose, while "we were in contract" focuses on the state of having a formal agreement in place. They are not always interchangeable.

What are some synonyms for "we were contracted" that emphasize obligation?

Alternatives like "we were obliged" or "we were bound" can be used to highlight the mandatory nature of the agreement.