we were exploited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were exploited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals or groups have been taken advantage of or treated unfairly, often in a labor or economic context. Example: "After reviewing the working conditions, it became clear that we were exploited by the company, receiving far less than what we deserved for our efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I thought we were exploited by the Labour Party.

The Guardian - Music

"Immediately after independence, true, we had to engage ourselves for developing our country — economically, politically — because we were exploited under colonial rule for more than 200 years," Pranab Mukherjee, India's foreign minister, said in an interview.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The aftermath of the crash created a window of opportunity that we were exploiting.

The Guardian

"We thought if we did anything it would look like we were exploiting the show, and that's not what we are about," Ms. Kirkpatrick said.

The New York Times

"We did not want to do anything that would look like we were exploiting or using 9/11 in any way," Mr. Stoll said.

The New York Times

We were exploiting a linear kernel K (x i, x j ) = x i T x j using LIBLINEAR [ 27] in combination with Weka [ 28].

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Today it is as consumers that we are exploited.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's part of us, which explains why we are exploited so easily online.

The Guardian - Opinion

If enough of us come to believe that we're exploited or harmed by this or that corporate interest, we can band together and exercise our democratic prerogatives to do something about it.

The Economist

If we are exploited, enslaved or terrorized, however, our submission to authority of the other cannot be counted as an act of bad faith.

SEP

Never will we be exploited and taken advantage of again by those who are managing our money and loaning us these dollars".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were exploited", be specific about the context and the actions that constituted the exploitation. Providing concrete examples strengthens your claim and makes it more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "we were exploited" without providing supporting evidence or context. Simply stating that you were exploited can sound accusatory without being informative. Instead, explain how the exploitation occurred and its consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were exploited" functions as a statement or declaration indicating that a group of people (represented by "we") experienced being unfairly used or taken advantage of by others. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were exploited" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express that a group experienced unfair treatment or was taken advantage of. Ludwig confirms that it's a valid and usable expression. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, scientific articles and encyclopedias. To use it effectively, it's best to provide context and specific examples to support the claim of exploitation. Alternatives such as "we were taken advantage of" or "we were mistreated" can be used to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were taken advantage of

This alternative is a more general way of saying that someone benefited unfairly from your actions.

we were mistreated

This alternative focuses on the negative treatment received, rather than the specific act of exploitation.

we were used

This alternative highlights the feeling of being a tool for someone else's gain.

we were manipulated

This alternative suggests that deceptive tactics were employed to exploit you.

we were unfairly treated

This alternative broadens the scope to any kind of unjust handling or behavior.

we were cheated

This alternative implies that you were deceived, typically for financial gain.

we were wronged

This alternative suggests a moral or legal injustice has been committed against you.

we were swindled

This alternative indicates that you were defrauded of money or possessions.

we were deceived

This alternative highlights the act of being misled, which led to exploitation.

we were played

This alternative suggests that you were cleverly tricked or manipulated for someone else's advantage.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "we were exploited"?

You can use phrases such as "we were taken advantage of", "we were mistreated", or "we were used" to express similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use "we were exploited" to describe situations where a group of people were unfairly used for someone else's benefit. For example, "After reviewing the contract, we realized we were exploited through unfair labor practices."

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

Yes, "we were exploited" is appropriate for formal writing as long as it is used accurately and supported by evidence. However, consider the audience and context, and ensure that it does not come across as overly accusatory without sufficient justification.

What is the difference between "we were exploited" and "we were oppressed"?

"We were exploited" implies being unfairly used for someone else's gain, often economically. "We were oppressed" suggests being subjected to unjust treatment and control, often through systemic power imbalances. Oppression is a broader term encompassing various forms of injustice.