we were dismayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were dismayed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express feelings of disappointment or shock in response to an unexpected situation or news. Example: "When we heard about the sudden cancellation of the event, we were dismayed by the news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

We were dismayed.

The New York Times

We were dismayed when we saw what was between the glossy covers.

The New York Times

We were dismayed to find that Warhol and Lichtenstein had not yet been ordained.

The New Yorker

But we were dismayed by a reference to what is now our client's salon.

The New York Times

Moas said: "We were dismayed to discover that real time images were not being used.

The Guardian - Tech

We were dismayed by "Are the Roma Primitive, or Just Poor?" (news analysis, Sunday Review, Oct. 20).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

An Amnesty International spokesperson said: "We are dismayed.

The Guardian

"Obviously," he said, "we're dismayed at the actions.

The New York Times

We are dismayed by reports that Mr. Salehi is back working at the palace.

The New York Times

"We are dismayed to find that it has occurred, as your report has found.

The New York Times

"We are dismayed by public statements from any company that states it is unaware that a factory produces its products".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were dismayed" to express disappointment or shock in response to unexpected news or situations. It's suitable for formal and neutral contexts, conveying a sense of letdown or concern.

Common error

Avoid using "we were dismayed" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "we were disappointed" or "we were bummed out" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were dismayed" functions as an expression of disappointment or shock. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and used to convey a negative reaction to a situation or news. The phrase typically introduces a statement explaining the cause of the dismay.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were dismayed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey disappointment or shock, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in academic and formal business settings. While generally neutral to formal, it should be used judiciously in informal contexts. Consider alternatives like "we were disappointed" or "we were concerned" for nuanced expressions of similar sentiments. When you want to express sadness, maybe you can choose "we were saddened". By being mindful of these factors, you can effectively use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were disappointed

Substitutes "dismayed" with "disappointed", indicating a feeling of dissatisfaction.

we felt disheartened

Replaces "dismayed" with "disheartened", emphasizing a loss of spirit or enthusiasm.

we were taken aback

Replaces "dismayed" with "taken aback", suggesting surprise and shock.

we were shocked

Uses "shocked" instead of "dismayed", highlighting a feeling of intense surprise and disbelief.

we were concerned

Replaces "dismayed" with "concerned", indicating worry and unease.

we were disturbed

Substitutes "dismayed" with "disturbed", emphasizing a feeling of unease and discomfort.

we were appalled

Replaces "dismayed" with "appalled", indicating strong disapproval and disgust.

we were saddened

Substitutes "dismayed" with "saddened", focusing on the feeling of sorrow or unhappiness.

we found it regrettable

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal expression indicating something undesirable occurred.

we viewed it with concern

Rephrases the sentiment with a more detached and observational tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were dismayed" to express disappointment or shock about something. For example, "We were dismayed by the news of the company's bankruptcy."

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

Less formal alternatives include "we were disappointed", "we were bummed out", or "we were sad", depending on the context.

Is "we were dismayed" suitable for business communication?

Yes, "we were dismayed" is appropriate for business communication when expressing disappointment or concern in a professional manner. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong expression; otherwise, "we were concerned" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "we were dismayed" and "we were disappointed"?

"We were dismayed" suggests a stronger feeling of shock or upset than "we were disappointed". "Dismayed" implies a feeling of being discouraged or disheartened by something unexpected, while "disappointed" simply means that expectations were not met.