we were frightened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were frightened" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a feeling of fear or anxiety experienced in the past. Example: "As the storm raged outside, we were frightened and huddled together for comfort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

We were frightened, actually.

The New York Times - Travel

"We were frightened of Goldwater".

The New York Times

We were frightened of the occasion".

The Guardian - Sport

At first, we were frightened for his health and future.

The Washington Post

But, yes, when we were flying we were frightened".

The Guardian

And we were frightened of nothing and no one.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

As parents we are frightened for them.

The New York Times

We're frightened of eccentricity, of loneliness.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We're frightened of our own shadow".

The Guardian

"We are frightened," says President Festus Mogae, "Wouldn't you be frightened?"Can Botswana beat it?

The Economist

"We are frightened," they say, and that is explanation enough.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a past event, use "we were frightened" to convey the feeling of fear experienced at that time. It's a direct and easily understood way to communicate this emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "we were frightened" when a more specific emotion like "anxious" or "apprehensive" accurately reflects the feeling. "Frightened" implies a more immediate sense of danger or threat.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were frightened" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing a past emotional state. According to Ludwig AI, it accurately conveys fear or anxiety experienced previously, directly aligning with the numerous examples found in various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were frightened" serves as a clear and direct way to express a past experience of fear or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. It's commonly found in news and media contexts and has a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse audiences. While alternatives like "we felt scared" exist, "we were frightened" effectively conveys a sense of alarm and can be readily understood. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects a genuine feeling of fear rather than a more subtle emotion like anxiety or apprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we felt scared

Replaces "frightened" with a more common synonym, "scared", maintaining the same meaning.

we felt afraid

Uses "afraid", another synonym for "frightened", offering a slightly more general expression of fear.

we were terrified

Conveys a stronger sense of fear than "frightened", indicating a higher level of alarm.

we were alarmed

Suggests a sudden awareness of danger or threat, similar to being frightened but with an emphasis on the triggering event.

we were apprehensive

Indicates anxiety or unease about a future event, a more anticipatory form of fear.

we were intimidated

Suggests fear induced by a sense of being overmatched or threatened by another's power or presence.

we were anxious

Expresses a state of worry and nervousness, which can be related to fear but is often more diffuse and generalized.

we felt uneasy

Implies a lack of comfort or security, a mild form of fear or apprehension.

we were disturbed

Suggests a feeling of having one's peace of mind disrupted, which can stem from fear-inducing situations.

fear gripped us

Uses a more figurative expression to describe the experience of being overcome by fear.

FAQs

What's the difference between "we were frightened" and "we were scared"?

While both "we were frightened" and "we were scared" express fear, "frightened" can sometimes imply a slightly more intense or formal feeling than "scared". In most everyday contexts, they are largely interchangeable.

What are some alternatives to "we were frightened"?

You can use alternatives like "we felt scared", "we felt afraid", or "we were terrified" depending on the intensity you want to convey.

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

"We were frightened" is typically followed by a prepositional phrase explaining the cause of the fear, for example, "We were frightened by the loud noise" or "We were frightened of the dark."

Is "we were frightening" grammatically correct, and how does it differ from "we were frightened"?

"We were frightening" is grammatically correct but has a different meaning. It means "we were causing fear", while "we were frightened" means "we experienced fear". For example, "Our costumes were frightening" versus "We were frightened by the costumes."