we were done

USAGE SUMMARY

'We were done' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you have finished a task or that something has come to an end. For example: We worked hard on the project, but eventually we were done.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"After that, we were done".

The New York Times - Sports

I thought we were done.

The New York Times

"I really thought we were done".

The New Yorker

"We were done making do," she said.

The New York Times

"I knew we were done," Velazquez said.

The New York Times - Sports

In 10 minutes we were done.

The New York Times

When we were done, I thanked them.

The New Yorker

But I think we were done".

The Guardian - Music

A few minutes later, we were done.

The New York Times

In an hour, we were done.

The New York Times - Food

When we were done, there was no applause.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were done" to clearly and concisely indicate the completion of a task, project, or phase. It's universally understood and applicable in various contexts, from informal conversations to professional reports.

Common error

Ensure the context clarifies what "we were done" refers to. Without context, it might not be clear whether you mean you completed a task, ended a relationship, or simply stopped an activity. Adding clarifying information prevents misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were done" functions as a declarative statement indicating the completion of an action, task, or state. Ludwig AI, confirming its grammatical correctness, showcases its versatility across various contexts. It asserts a definitive ending, as shown in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Formal & Business

0.5%

Science

0.5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were done" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate completion or termination. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability. While primarily found in News & Media contexts, it's versatile enough for both informal and neutral registers. For highly formal settings, alternatives like "we had concluded" might be more appropriate. Remember to provide context to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were finished

Synonymous with "we were done", both phrases indicate a state of completion or the end of something.

we had finished

Indicates completion of an action or task, similar to "we were done" but emphasizes the action of finishing.

we were through

Implies the end of a process, activity, or relationship, similar to "we were done" but can also suggest a more definitive end.

we were complete

Highlights the sense of completeness or finality, similar to "we were done" but emphasizes wholeness.

we were at an end

More formal and dramatic, indicating that something has reached its conclusion, much like "we were done".

we had concluded

Suggests a formal ending, particularly after a process or deliberation, similar to "we were done" but with a more official tone.

we came to a halt

Focuses on the cessation of movement or activity, similar to "we were done" when referring to a process stopping.

we ceased operations

Implies a more official or business-related termination, similar to "we were done" in a formal context.

we reached the finish line

Emphasizes the achievement of reaching an endpoint, much like "we were done" when referring to completing a task or race.

we wrapped things up

Suggests a neat and tidy conclusion, similar to "we were done" but with an emphasis on tidiness and closure.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "we were done"?

Saying "we were done" typically means that a task, activity, or relationship has come to an end. It signifies completion or termination, depending on the context.

What are some alternative ways to say "we were done"?

You can use alternatives like "we had finished", "we were finished", or "we were through" to express a similar meaning.

Is "we were done" appropriate for formal writing?

"We were done" is generally suitable for most contexts, including some formal writing. However, for highly formal situations, consider using phrases like "we had concluded" or "we were at an end" for a more sophisticated tone.

How can I make it clearer what "we were done" refers to?

Provide context by specifying what you completed or ended. For example, instead of just saying "We were done", say "We were done with the project" or "We were done talking about it".