we were even

USAGE SUMMARY

"We were even" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that two sides in a situation were on equal terms. For example, "We were even in terms of the number of votes, so the decision had to be made by another method."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We were even crying".

The New York Times

Sometimes we were even all right together.

The New Yorker

We were even upgraded to first class.

The New York Times

It started before we were even dead.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We were even over there clapping.

The New York Times - Sports

We were even booked at the Fillmore.

The New York Times

"We had no idea we were even being considered".

The Guardian - Arts

The next day we were even more conservative.

The New York Times - Travel

We were even invited for a Q&A session afterwards.

The Guardian

"I didn't know we were even famous for that".

The New York Times

"We were even ready to work the soil".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were even" to clearly indicate a state of equality or equilibrium between two parties or situations. It is suitable in both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice for expressing balance.

Common error

Avoid using "we were even" when referring to something improving beyond merely reaching a balanced state. For example, instead of saying "we were even better", clarify that you surpassed the prior state: "we were significantly better".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were even" serves as a declarative statement, asserting a state of equality or balance between two or more entities at a specific point in time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were even" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a state of equality or balance. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse scenarios. Remember to use it when you want to precisely convey that two parties or situations are on equal footing, and avoid misusing it when describing improvements that surpass mere balance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were level

Indicates a state of being at the same level or score, similar to being even.

we had parity

Implies equality or equivalence, particularly in a competitive context.

we were equal

Directly states that both sides were in a state of equality.

we were all square

Suggests that any previous debts or imbalances have been resolved, resulting in a state of evenness.

we were neck and neck

Indicates a close competition where both sides are nearly equal.

we reached a draw

Refers to a situation where a contest ends with no winner, resulting in even scores.

we tied the game

Specifically refers to making the score even in a game or competition.

we balanced the score

Highlights the action of making the score even after being behind.

we evened things out

Focuses on the act of making a situation balanced or fair after an imbalance.

we restored equilibrium

Emphasizes the re-establishment of balance or stability.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were even" to describe a situation where two sides are equal in a competition, negotiation, or comparison. For example: "After the first round, "we were even" on points".

What's the difference between "we were even" and "we were equal"?

While both phrases suggest a state of equality, "we were even" often implies a balance achieved after some initial imbalance, especially in scores or measurements. "We were equal" is a more general statement of equality without necessarily implying a prior difference.

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

Alternatives to "we were even" include "we were level", "we were all square", or "we had parity" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "we were even" in formal writing?

Yes, "we were even" is appropriate for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. However, consider whether a more precise term like "we had parity" or "we were level" might be more suitable depending on the context.