we were expected to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were expected to" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase when talking about expectations that had been placed on someone or a group. For example, "We were expected to finish the project within the deadline, but unfortunately we couldn't meet the goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We were expected to fend for ourselves.

The New Yorker

"We were expected to speak impeccable English".

The New York Times

We were expected to be grateful.

The New York Times - Books

We were expected to read several Dickens' novels – and quickly.

The Guardian

This is what we were expected to do.

The New York Times

We were expected to be married by twenty-one or twenty-two; wereexpectedctod to raise children.

The New Yorker

It just seems whomever the party sent out, we were expected to accept.

The New York Times

"My mother never gave us the impression that we were expected to complete everything," she says.

The Guardian

"Now I understood for the first time that we were expected to be full of rage.

The New Yorker

"In the past we were expected to do well and beat a lot of these teams.

The New York Times - Sports

Sure we had come into money, and we were expected to win something.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were expected to", ensure the context clearly indicates who held the expectation. Explicitly stating who did the expecting can add clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Don't leave the reader wondering who set the expectations. Avoid ambiguity by clearly specifying the source of the expectation; otherwise, your statement may lack impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were expected to" functions as a passive construction indicating an obligation or anticipated action. It reveals that a requirement was placed upon the subject (we) by an unspecified actor. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were expected to" is a versatile construction used to convey obligations, anticipated actions, and a sense of duty. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's considered grammatically correct and frequently appears in various forms of writing. While broadly applicable, it's important to clarify who held the expectation to prevent ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "we were supposed to" or "we were required to" for nuanced variations in meaning or register. Remembering these points will assist you in using the phrase most effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were supposed to

Emphasizes obligation or requirement, similar to being expected.

we were required to

Stresses a formal requirement or rule.

we were compelled to

Highlights a strong external force or pressure.

it was our duty to

Highlights a sense of responsibility or obligation.

we were under an obligation to

Similar to "had an obligation", but with a slightly more formal tone.

we had an obligation to

Focuses on a binding commitment or duty.

we were assigned to

Indicates a task or role that was formally given.

we were duty-bound to

Emphasizes a strong sense of moral or ethical obligation.

we were designated to

Emphasizes a formal assignment or appointment.

it was incumbent upon us to

Highlights a necessary responsibility or duty.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we were expected to" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we were required to", "we were obligated to", or "it was incumbent upon us to" depending on the specific context.

Is "we were expected to" passive voice?

Yes, "we were expected to" is an example of passive voice. The active voice equivalent would be something like, "They expected us to..."

What's the difference between "we were expected to" and "we were supposed to"?

While similar, "we were expected to" implies a formal or understood requirement, whereas "we were supposed to" can also imply a plan or intention that may not necessarily be enforced.

How to use "we were expected to" in a sentence?

You can use "we were expected to" to describe duties, obligations, or anticipated actions. For example, "We were expected to complete the project by Friday."