we were embarked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were embarked" is not commonly used in modern English and may sound awkward or outdated.
It can be used in a literary or historical context to indicate that a group of people has begun a journey or mission, particularly by ship. Example: "As the sun set on the horizon, we were embarked on our great adventure across the ocean."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We also knew that we were embarked on a course that would change our party as well as our country.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thanks to his policies the American economy prospered mightily during the 1980s while we were embarked on the biggest peacetime military buildup ever.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"We were embarking on a fundamentally new policy," Cheney recalled.

The New York Times - Books

"And I think we were embarking on a course that could subject the state to liability".

The New York Times

And now, we were embarking on a pre-dinner hike and schuss, the clouds floating beyond our skis.

The New York Times - Travel

B.G. Well, we knew that there were a lot of things we were embarking on together: helping each other in our work and aspirations, having a family.

The New York Times - Health

"It wasn't so long ago," Mr. Murdoch said about the MySpace acquisition, "when many said we were embarking on a fool's errand".

The New York Times

For the first third of the book, including a promising passage in which investigators systematically break down a bunker of material seized after Bin Laden's death, it feels as if we were embarking on a brainy, topical thriller.

The New York Times - Books

It was the end of an era, but it also meant we were embarking on a path that would eventually lead us back to living a child-free life again, to which in some ways we were looking forward.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We were embarking on a group "family" holiday.

Forbes

That was our first hint at just what a freaky, freaky trip we were embarking on… — VBS Founder Shane Smith.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "we were embarked" when aiming for a slightly formal or literary tone. In contemporary contexts, simpler alternatives like "we had started" or "we were beginning" might be more appropriate for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were embarked" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formality can sound unnatural in such contexts. Choose more common alternatives to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were embarked" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a journey or undertaking. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe starting a new policy or mission. It suggests a deliberate and often significant beginning.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were embarked" signals the commencement of a journey or undertaking, carrying a slightly formal or literary tone. Ludwig AI suggests that while grammatically sound, it's not as common in modern English as alternatives like "we started" or "we began". Predominantly found in news and media and scientific sources, its formality makes it less suitable for casual contexts. When aiming for a clear and contemporary style, consider using simpler alternatives. In essence, while "we were embarked" remains grammatically valid, its relative infrequency suggests carefully considering the context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were underway

Suggests that something has started and is in progress. It's suitable when highlighting that the journey or task has actively begun.

we were undertaking

Substitutes "embarked" with "undertaking", emphasizing the commitment to a particular task or project.

we were commencing

Substitutes "embarked" with "commencing", maintaining a similar level of formality.

we were proceeding

Implies a more formal and structured start to a process or activity.

we were initiating

Replaces "embarked" with "initiating", focusing on the act of starting or setting something in motion.

we were launching

Emphasizes a more active and purposeful start, similar to launching a project.

we had begun

Uses a simpler verb "begun" to indicate the start of something, making it less formal.

we had started

Replaces "embarked" with "started", offering a more straightforward and common alternative.

we were venturing

Suggests a sense of risk and exploration when starting something new.

we were setting out

Uses the phrasal verb "setting out" to convey the idea of starting a journey or endeavor.

FAQs

What does "we were embarked" mean?

The phrase "we were embarked" means that a group of people had begun a journey, task, or endeavor. It's often used in a slightly formal or literary context.

What are some alternatives to "we were embarked"?

You can use alternatives such as "we had begun", "we had started", or "we were undertaking" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we are embarked"?

While grammatically valid, "we are embarked" is less common than "we were embarked". The choice depends on the tense you want to convey. "We were embarked" refers to something that started in the past.

When is it appropriate to use "we were embarked" instead of simpler alternatives?

Use "we were embarked" when you want to create a slightly formal or historical tone. In most contemporary contexts, simpler alternatives like "we started" or "we began" are often more appropriate.