we were due to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we were due to' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that two or more people had planned to do but for some reason were unable to do it. For example: "We were due to go to the beach today, but the weather was too bad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We were due to put one together.

The New York Times - Sports

We were due to fly from Gatwick to Faro.

The Guardian - Money

We were due to go there this afternoon!

The Guardian - Film

"We were due to play better," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

We had 10 days before we were due to open.

The Guardian

"We were due to win one in OT," Bourque said.

The New York Times - Sports

Today we were due to fly on the 11.50am EVA flight BR67.

The Guardian

We were due to fly back last Friday from Marrakech to Heathrow via Madrid.

The Guardian

But the area conveniently suited the subject we were due to talk about.

The Guardian - Music

We were due to host the Taste Cumbria Food Festival the following weekend.

The Guardian

We were due to fly with Iceland Express from Birmingham on 13 June.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were due to" to clearly indicate a scheduled event or action, particularly when that event did not occur as planned. This helps to set up expectations and explain deviations from the expected course.

Common error

Avoid using "we are due to" when referring to past events. The correct form for past events is "we were due to". Using the present tense implies the event is still pending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were due to" functions as a clause element, specifically an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, implying a scheduled or expected action. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in setting up expectations that may or may not have been fulfilled.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were due to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a prior plan or expectation, often implying that the planned event did not occur as scheduled. As Ludwig AI has identified, this phrase is widely used in news and media contexts. When writing, remember to use "we were due to" for past expectations and "we are due to" for current or future expectations. Alternative phrases like "we were scheduled to" or "we were supposed to" can be used for similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were scheduled to

Focuses on the planned nature of the event, highlighting that it was formally arranged.

we were supposed to

Indicates an obligation or expectation, often implying a failure to fulfill it.

we had planned to

Emphasizes the intention and prior planning of an action.

we intended to

Highlights the purpose or goal behind an action.

we were going to

A more informal way to express future intention or expectation.

we were expected to

Focuses on external expectations rather than internal planning.

we were set to

Suggests that preparations were made, and everything was ready for the event.

it was our understanding that we would

More formal expression that highlights a previously agreed-upon arrangement.

we anticipated

Emphasizes the expectation that something would happen, based on prior knowledge or assumptions.

we had arranged to

Focuses on the active role in setting up or organizing the event.

FAQs

How do you use "we were due to" in a sentence?

Use "we were due to" to indicate a past expectation or scheduled event that was planned but may not have occurred. For example, "We were due to leave yesterday, but our flight was cancelled."

What is a similar phrase to "we were due to"?

Alternatives include "we were scheduled to", "we were supposed to", or "we had planned to". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "we are due to" instead of "we were due to"?

"We are due to" indicates a future expectation or scheduled event, whereas "we were due to" refers to a past expectation. Use the appropriate tense based on the timing of the event.

What does "we were due to" imply about an event?

It implies that there was a plan or schedule in place, and often suggests that the event did not happen as expected or was altered in some way. It sets up an expectation that something was supposed to occur.