we were drenched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were drenched" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where you and others were soaked, typically from rain or water. Example: "After walking in the heavy rain without umbrellas, we were drenched by the time we reached the car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

WE were drenched as we navigated a narrow rock pathway under Salto Sapo's curtain of water, holding on to a withering length of rope; when we emerged on the other side of the waterfall we could see a group of Pemónes playing soccer on a sandy spot.

The New York Times - Travel

We were drenched and miserable.

The New York Times

We were drenched but giddy.

The New York Times

Within an hour we were drenched.

The Guardian - Travel

By 5 p.m., we were drenched, exhausted and sated.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's just about my family, and how we were drenched in American culture".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Now, we are drenched in enough folksiness to fill a hundred cracker barrels.

The New York Times

We are drenched by the time we get to the stand of firs that offer enough cover for all of us.

Vice

They were drenched.

The New York Times

The songs were drenched in arcane numerology.

The Guardian - Books

These images were drenched in belief.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were drenched" to vividly describe being completely soaked, often unexpectedly, emphasizing the intensity of the experience. For instance, "We were drenched after the sudden thunderstorm hit during our hike."

Common error

Avoid using "drenched" when "immersed" or "overwhelmed" are more appropriate. "Drenched" literally means soaked with liquid, so using it to describe emotions or abstract concepts can sound awkward or incorrect. For example, instead of saying "We were drenched in sorrow", consider "We were overwhelmed by sorrow".

Linguistic Context

"We were drenched" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifically a passive construction, indicating that the subject (we) experienced the action of being thoroughly soaked. Ludwig's examples show this phrase used to describe the physical state of being wet from rain, waterfalls, or other sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were drenched" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a group of people being thoroughly soaked. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it effectively conveys the experience of being completely wet, often implying surprise or intensity. When writing, ensure that the phrase is used literally to describe physical wetness, avoiding figurative misapplications. Alternatives include "we got soaked" or "we were soaked to the skin". Overall, "we were drenched" is a useful phrase for vividly describing a shared experience of being thoroughly wet.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we got soaked

Replaces "drenched" with the simpler and more common word "soaked".

we were sopping wet

Implies dripping wetness, adding a visual element.

we were soaked to the skin

Adds emphasis to the extent of being wet, indicating complete saturation.

we were completely wet

A more straightforward and literal description of being wet.

we were saturated

Uses a more formal word to describe being completely filled with water.

we were rained on heavily

Specifies that the cause of wetness was rain and emphasizes its intensity.

we were caught in a downpour

Focuses on the sudden and intense nature of the rain.

water poured over us

Describes the action of water covering the group.

we were awash in water

Implies a large amount of water engulfing the group.

we had a good soaking

Uses an idiomatic expression indicating a thorough wetting.

FAQs

What does "we were drenched" mean?

The phrase "we were drenched" means that a group of people became completely soaked with water or another liquid. It implies a high degree of wetness, often unexpectedly or intensely.

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

You can use alternatives like "we got soaked", "we were soaked to the skin", or "we were completely wet" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we were drenched"?

Yes, "we were drenched" is grammatically correct. It uses the past tense of the verb "to be" with the past participle of "drench", forming a passive construction that accurately describes the state of being soaked.

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

You can use "we were drenched" to describe situations where you and others became thoroughly wet. For example: "After walking in the heavy rain without umbrellas, "we were drenched" by the time we reached the car."