we were ensured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were ensured" is not correct in standard English usage.
The correct expression would typically be "we were assured" when referring to being given confidence or certainty about something. Example: "After the meeting, we were assured that the project would be completed on time."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The chair of Lymm Parish Council, Catherine Buckley, said: "When this was in the planning we were ensured by the council it would be a high-end shop.

BBC

Thus, we were ensured by these results that the hearing aids had been appropriately fitted.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We were ensuring that his dying wish, a wish he had talked about for as long as our lives had intersected, became a lived reality.

Vice

We are ensured that this is necessary to maintain a certain standard of funded media.

TechCrunch

But we're ensuring every child can clear it too.

The Guardian

We are ensuring that the cultural record is preserved".

The New York Times

That is why we are ensuring that they are investigated to establish the facts".

The Guardian

The Bangladesh Cricket Board president, Nazmul Hassan, said the withdrawal was "unfortunate", adding: "We are ensuring highest security.

The Guardian - Sport

Maude said: "We are ensuring that government operates in a more businesslike fashion than ever before.

The Guardian

Some argue that we're "ensuring a rigorous education" by setting such an academic curriculum.

The Guardian

"At least we are ensuring that in the future some will be left".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "we were ensured" in formal writing. Instead, opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "we were assured", "we were guaranteed", or "we were promised" to convey the intended meaning of certainty or guarantee.

Common error

A common mistake is using "ensured" when the intended meaning is to convey reassurance or a guarantee received. "Ensured" typically means 'made certain', while "assured" means 'told someone something to dispel doubts'. Always use "assured" when referring to receiving reassurance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were ensured" functions as a passive construction where the subject ("we") receives an action. However, it is not grammatically sound. Ludwig AI marks it as incorrect, suggesting it should be replaced with "we were assured" or similar.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "we were ensured" might appear in certain contexts, it's grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. As Ludwig AI notes, more appropriate alternatives like "we were assured", "we were guaranteed", or "we were promised" are better choices to convey a sense of certainty or guarantee. Using these alternatives ensures clarity and correctness in your writing, enhancing your message's credibility. Pay close attention to the intended meaning: "assured" implies reassurance, while "ensured" means 'made certain'. Choose the verb that most accurately captures your meaning, but remember that grammatically, the passive voice of "ensure" is rarely needed for people.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were assured

Replaces "ensured" with "assured", which is the grammatically correct and most common alternative to express being guaranteed or promised something.

we were guaranteed

Substitutes "ensured" with "guaranteed", another grammatically sound alternative emphasizing a firm promise or certainty.

we were promised

Replaces "ensured" with "promised", focusing on the act of making a promise, thus conveying a similar meaning.

we received assurance

Changes the structure to emphasize receiving confirmation or a guarantee, rather than being directly ensured.

we had confirmation

Indicates that confirmation was received, providing a sense of certainty and validation.

we were given an undertaking

Replaces the original phrase with a more formal expression of commitment or promise.

we were pledged

Highlights that a pledge was made, emphasizing a strong declaration of intent.

we were given a warranty

Implies a formal guarantee or warranty was provided, ensuring a specific outcome or quality.

we obtained a commitment

Focuses on securing a commitment from someone, rather than being directly ensured.

we were convinced

Highlights the state of being persuaded or made certain about something.

FAQs

What's wrong with the phrase "we were ensured"?

The phrase "we were ensured" is not grammatically correct in standard English. The correct expression is typically "we were assured" when referring to being given confidence or certainty about something. Ludwig AI highlights this issue.

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

You can use alternatives like "we were assured", "we were guaranteed", or "we were promised" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "we were ensured" or "we were assured"?

"We were assured" is the correct and preferred phrasing. "We were ensured" is grammatically incorrect.

Is "we were ensured" ever appropriate to use?

While you might encounter "we were ensured" in some contexts, it's generally best to avoid it in formal writing. Opt for clearer and more grammatically accepted phrases like "we were assured" to ensure clarity and correctness.