we were entrusted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were entrusted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a responsibility or duty that has been given to someone by another party. Example: "As the new project managers, we were entrusted with overseeing the development of the new software."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Under Dean, we were entrusted with total responsibility for coaching and preparation, and for developing the style of rugby we wanted to play".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"How could the secretary of state have known so little about the company we were entrusting a multi-million pound contract to when his own director general of schools was there when the contract was awarded?" he asked.

The Guardian

"We are ready to devote ourselves to whatever mission we are entrusted with," he said.

The Economist

"However, PayPal never loses sight of the fact we're entrusted to look after people's money.

Independent

Mistakes were clearly made, and as a result, we let down the people we are entrusted to serve.

The Guardian

The schools chancellor, Dennis M. Walcott, said in a statement, "We are entrusted with the public's money, and should have been more vigilant in our oversight of this project".

The New York Times

"We are mere guardians of a legacy left behind by our ancestors and we are entrusted to keep these islands safe for future generations," he added.

The Guardian

Callcredit told us: "As a responsible credit reference agency, we are fully committed to upholding the security of the data with which we are entrusted".

The Guardian - Money

It's hard, but you have got to accept that is the nature of professional sport and we are entrusted to make what we believe are the right calls.

Independent

"We are entrusted by our governments to be discreet, not to divulge our sources, to stay informed, for the sake of the security of our countries," said the diplomat.

The New York Times

"We believe that this decision allows us to meet our obligations to the investors whose interests we are entrusted to protect without being drawn into the national debate that is more properly pursued by those with the formal charter and public responsibility to do so," said Cerberus, which hired the investment bank Lazard to handle the auction process.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were entrusted" when you want to emphasize the trust and confidence placed in a group by another party. For instance, "We were entrusted with managing the company's finances."

Common error

Avoid using "we were entrusted" in highly informal contexts. It carries a level of seriousness and responsibility that might be out of place in casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "we were asked to" or "we got to" for less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were entrusted" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject ("we") received a specific responsibility or duty. It showcases the act of delegation and the confidence placed in the subject by another party. Ludwig's examples highlight its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were entrusted" signifies a delegation of responsibility coupled with an expression of trust. Grammatically sound and categorized as 'Correct' by Ludwig, it's primarily employed in news and media, formal business, and scientific contexts. While not excessively common, its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its validity. Ludwig’s analysis emphasizes the phrase's passive construction, neutral-to-formal register, and its function in conveying entrusted duties. To enhance writing, prioritize it in situations demanding seriousness and responsibility, avoiding overly casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were given the responsibility

A more explicit and descriptive alternative, highlighting the assignment of responsibility.

we were tasked

Focuses on the assignment of a specific task, implying a defined objective.

we were assigned

Highlights the act of being formally given a responsibility or role.

we were made responsible

Highlights the act of being held accountable for a particular task or outcome.

we were charged

Emphasizes the duty and obligation associated with the responsibility.

we were delegated

Implies that the responsibility was passed down from a higher authority.

we were commissioned

Suggests a formal request or order to undertake a specific task or project.

we were authorized

Highlights the official permission and power granted to carry out a task.

we were empowered

Emphasizes the enablement and authority given to perform a role.

we were appointed

Suggests a formal selection or nomination for a particular role or responsibility.

FAQs

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

Use "we were entrusted" to express that a responsibility or duty was given to your group, implying trust. For example, "We were entrusted with the safe return of the artifact."

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

You can use alternatives like "we were tasked", "we were assigned", or "we were given the responsibility" depending on the context.

Is "we were entrusted" formal or informal?

"We were entrusted" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional or serious contexts. It may sound out of place in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "we were entrusted" and "we were asked"?

"We were asked" simply indicates a request, while "we were entrusted" implies a greater degree of responsibility and trust. Entrusting suggests that the task is important and requires careful handling.