we were friends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were friends" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when reflecting on a past relationship or friendship that has since changed or ended. Example: "Looking back at our childhood, I often think about how we were friends before life took us in different directions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"We were friends".

The New Yorker

A We were friends.

The New York Times

We were friends though.

The Guardian - Sport

Beverly: We were friends first.

The New York Times

"I thought we were friends".

The New Yorker

"We were friends," he said.

The New York Times

"So we were friends first.

The New York Times

"But we were friends first".

The New York Times

"We were friends until recently".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

We're friends.

The New York Times

No! We're friends".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about past relationships, consider adding descriptive details to provide more context about the nature of the friendship and the reasons for its change or dissolution.

Common error

Avoid using "we were friends" when you intend to convey that you are still friends. Use "we are friends" or "we're friends" to accurately reflect the present state of the relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were friends" functions as a statement of past relationship. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used to describe a friendship that existed in the past but no longer exists in the present. It clearly indicates a change in the relationship's status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were friends" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a past friendship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's particularly prevalent in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful that it clearly indicates a relationship that is no longer current. Alternatives like "we used to be friends" and "we had been friends" offer similar but subtly different nuances. Avoiding its use to describe present relationships is crucial for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we used to be friends

Focuses on a habitual past state of friendship that no longer exists.

we had been friends

Highlights the duration of the friendship before a certain point in time.

we were once friends

Emphasizes that the friendship is over or no longer holds the same significance.

we were close friends

Indicates a high degree of intimacy and mutual support during the friendship.

we considered each other friends

Suggests a mutual understanding and agreement on the nature of their relationship.

we knew each other as friends

Highlights the context in which they interacted, emphasizing friendship as the basis of their acquaintance.

our friendship existed

Abstractly references a past condition of friendship.

we shared a friendship

Emphasizes the shared experience and connection between the individuals.

a friendship existed between us

Formalizes the statement, highlighting the bond between the individuals.

we enjoyed a friendship

Highlights the positive experience and enjoyment derived from the friendship.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were friends" to describe a past relationship that has since changed. For example, "Looking back, "we were friends" in high school, but we lost touch after graduation".

What's the difference between "we were friends" and "we are friends"?

"We were friends" indicates a friendship that existed in the past but is no longer active, while "we are friends" means the friendship is ongoing in the present.

What can I say instead of "we were friends" to emphasize a close past relationship?

You could use phrases like "we were close friends" or "we were best friends" to highlight the intensity and depth of the past connection.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we were friends"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "we were friends" uses the past tense of the verb "to be" to describe a state that existed in the past.