we were fed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were fed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a group of people received food or nourishment, often in a passive context. Example: "After the long journey, we were fed a hearty meal by the kind villagers who welcomed us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As athletes we were fed up.

The Guardian - Sport

We were fed up and we did something about it".

The New York Times - Sports

"We were fed up," running back Tiki Barber said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were fed only ground dry maize in the afternoons.

The Washington Post

"We were fed rumours for so long," the man said apologetically when he eventually came.

The Guardian

We were being ripped off everywhere, and we were fed up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We were fed up," Tomás Bello Flores, a community policeman, told me.

The New Yorker

We were fed up with the passivity of Switzerland's established parties.

The Guardian - Opinion

We were fed magnificently and ate at a formal dining table.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We were fed sandwiches and rhubarb cake and fitted with our own hip waders.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We're fed up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "we were fed" can imply literal feeding, as in receiving food, or figurative feeding, as in receiving information. Ensure the intended meaning is clear.

Common error

Avoid using "we were fed" when you intend to convey active consumption or procurement of food. The passive voice emphasizes the receiver of the action, not the actor. Ensure the context supports this emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were fed" functions as a passive construction, where the subject "we" receives the action of being fed. As Ludwig AI shows, it is commonly used to describe the provision of food or information to a group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were fed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to describe instances where a group received sustenance or information, often implying a passive role. The usage is broadly applicable across neutral registers, including news media, academic writing and general narrative as shown by Ludwig examples. While direct, alternative options like "we received nourishment" may be suitable for more formal contexts. Remember to consider whether an active or passive voice best suits your intended emphasis. Because "we were fed" is used when you want to emphasize the passive reception of food or information, often implying a lack of agency or control over what was provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we received nourishment

Emphasizes the receipt of nourishment, rather than the act of feeding.

we were sustained

Highlights the sustaining aspect of being provided with necessities.

sustenance was provided to us

Rephrases the idea focusing on the act of providing sustenance, using a more formal tone.

we consumed provisions

Focuses on the consumption of provisions, suggesting a planned or prepared meal.

nourishment was available to us

Emphasizes the availability of nourishment, rather than the act of feeding.

food was given to us

A more literal and direct way of expressing the same concept, lacking the nuance of "fed".

we were provided for

Generalizes the concept to being taken care of, not just in terms of food.

we obtained food

Highlights the obtaining of food, possibly implying effort or action on the part of the recipients.

we had provisions

Focuses on the state of possessing provisions, rather than the act of receiving them.

information was supplied to us

Shifts the meaning to receiving information instead of food.

FAQs

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

Use "we were fed" to describe a situation where a group of people received food or information, often passively. For example: "After the long journey, "we were fed" a hearty meal."

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

You can use alternatives like "we received nourishment", "sustenance was provided to us", or "food was given to us" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "we were fed" or "we ate"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "We were fed" emphasizes the passive receipt of food, while "we ate" emphasizes the action of eating.

What's the difference between "we were fed" and "we were provided for"?

"We were fed" specifically refers to receiving food or information. "We were provided for" is broader and means that our needs were taken care of.