we were directed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were directed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has given instructions or guidance to a group of people. Example: "After the meeting, we were directed to submit our reports by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We were directed to a "storeroom" to identify the cases.

The Telegraph

HOFFMANN: We were directed by the office to make a formal application.

Yale University

"We were directed to pull it from Iraqi sources where possible".

The New York Times

We were directed to our tents, inside of which our duffles had been stashed.

The New York Times - Sports

We were directed to the Snow Bowl on the shadier side of Stratton.

The New York Times - Sports

We were directed to the President's Room at Alumni Hall, but there was no president.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were directed... to move air defences so that the army and marine units could successfully land," he said.

The Guardian

When we reached the bottom we were directed out of the building by Port Authority Police and Security people.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"The old pharmacy?" we ask and we are directed to a bottlegreen shop with a sign: Geday & Son, Pharmacist.

The Guardian

Kingsolver's fecund prose is always reader-friendly, though we are directed to her messages with too heavy a hand.

The Guardian - Books

We are directed to the library, where a gruff assistant slides 19th-century business compendiums across the desk.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were directed" when you want to emphasize that instructions came from an external source, without necessarily specifying who gave them. It's effective for maintaining a neutral tone in reporting or describing procedures.

Common error

Avoid using "we were directed" excessively, as too much passive voice can make your writing sound vague and indirect. When possible, rephrase to use an active voice construction to make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "We were directed to the meeting room", consider "The manager directed us to the meeting room".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were directed" functions as a passive voice construction. This means the subject (we) receives the action (being directed). As shown in Ludwig, this construction is common in various contexts where the source of direction is either implied or less important than the fact that direction was given.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were directed" is a common and grammatically correct passive voice construction used to indicate that a group received instructions or guidance from an external source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news media, academia, and science. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider active voice alternatives for more direct and engaging writing. Understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register ensures effective communication in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were instructed

Replaces "directed" with a more formal synonym, "instructed".

we were guided

Emphasizes the aspect of guidance rather than a strict order.

we were shown

Focuses on the act of being shown the way or path.

we were led

Highlights the act of being led, either physically or metaphorically.

we received instructions

Shifts the focus to receiving instructions, a more formal phrasing.

we were advised

Suggests that the direction was given as advice or a recommendation.

it was indicated to us

Uses a more impersonal construction to convey the same information.

our attention was drawn

Shifts the focus to where attention was guided.

we were pointed

Emphasizes a specific direction or object.

we were commanded

Implies a stronger, more authoritative directive.

FAQs

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

The phrase "we were directed" is used to indicate that instructions or guidance were given to a group. For example: "After the presentation, "we were directed" to the breakout sessions".

What are some alternatives to "we were directed"?

You can use alternatives like "we were instructed", "we were guided", or "we were led", depending on the context. Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance.

When is it appropriate to use the passive voice construction "we were directed"?

It's appropriate when the source of the direction is unknown, unimportant, or when you want to avoid assigning blame or responsibility. The passive voice focuses on the action rather than the actor.

Is "we were directed" formal or informal?

"We were directed" is suitable for both neutral and professional contexts. While it's not overly formal, it maintains a level of objectivity that makes it appropriate for reporting and descriptive writing. More casual alternatives might be used in informal settings.