we were distinguished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were distinguished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group of people has been recognized or set apart for a particular quality or achievement. Example: "In the annual awards ceremony, we were distinguished for our contributions to community service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We observed the guests entering the church from our position behind the barricades and mingled with hoi polloi, from whom we were distinguished only by our evening clothes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In Chicago, we were distinguishing between the regular cops, and the riot pigs in their baby blues.

The Guardian

Let's not forget the "human" in "human genome," and the not merely molecular ways in which we are distinguished within nature.

The New York Times

We might knock down a home and build a McMansion, but we are distinguished for ballpark preservation.

Los Angeles Times

My point is that if we're distinguishing the social forces bubbling up, they were going to get expressed.

Huffington Post

Three distinct types of catalytic domains were distinguished, and we hypothesize that types of catalytic domains reflect distinct substrate preferences.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Three hundred and fifty genotypes were distinguished.

Plosone

We will become world leaders, teachers, coaches, caretakers, environmentalists, and military personnel; but, we will be distinguished from past generations in that we will do these jobs in the context of global challenges and opportunities.

The New York Times

"We like to be distinguished," she said, "but not like that".

The New York Times

"We felt there should be distinguished people from walks of life other than architecture," said Lord Palumbo, the Pritzker's chairman.

The New York Times - Arts

There are two primary forms of socially valuable activity that we believe need to be distinguished from social entrepreneurship.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were distinguished" to highlight a specific quality or achievement that sets a group apart from others. Ensure the context clearly explains what the distinction is based on.

Common error

Avoid using "we were distinguished" without specifying the attribute or achievement that led to the distinction. Vague usage can confuse readers and diminish the impact of the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were distinguished" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (we) received recognition or was set apart by an external entity or factor. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

29%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were distinguished" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to express that a group has been recognized or set apart due to a specific quality or achievement. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is used correctly in various contexts, and while "common", alternatives like "we were recognized" or "we stood out" may offer nuanced meanings. Its register is typically neutral leaning towards professional, and should be used with clear context to explain the basis for the distinction. The most common use cases appear in scientific and news media sources, highlighting its versatility across different fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were recognized

Focuses on the act of being acknowledged for achievement or quality.

we were honored

Emphasizes the respect and esteem granted to the group.

we stood out

Highlights the visibility and prominence of the group compared to others.

we were set apart

Focuses on the distinctiveness and separation from the rest.

we were differentiated

Emphasizes the qualities that made the group different from others.

we were acclaimed

Highlights public approval and praise received.

we were celebrated

Focuses on the joyous recognition of the group's achievements.

we were notable

Indicates that the group was worthy of attention or notice.

we were remarkable

Stresses the exceptional and extraordinary nature of the group.

we were preeminent

Highlights the group's superiority and leadership position.

FAQs

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

Use "we were distinguished" to indicate that a group was recognized or set apart due to a specific quality or achievement. For example, "We were distinguished for our innovative approach to problem-solving."

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

You can use alternatives like "we were recognized", "we stood out", or "we were honored" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "we were distinguished" or "we distinguished ourselves"?

The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the recognition from an external source ("we were distinguished") or the group's own actions in setting themselves apart ("we distinguished ourselves").

What's the difference between "we were distinguished" and "we were unique"?

"We were distinguished" implies recognition for a specific attribute or achievement, while "we were unique" simply means that the group was unlike any other. /s/unique implies an absence of equivalents while distinguished emphasizes that specific merits existed.