we were guided

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "We were guided" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this sentence to describe a situation where someone was being led or given direction. For example: "We were guided by our tour guide through the museum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We were guided by our own judgment.

The Guardian

We were guided and cajoled by Mary and Elizabeth.

The Guardian

In the utter darkness, we were guided by kerosene lamps that hung from the trees.

The New York Times - Travel

We were guided by a young student originally from the Atlas mountains.

The Guardian - Travel

We were guided to a small beach with very cheap entrance fees, where we were the only foreigners.

The Guardian - Travel

We were guided by obligations that are imposed by the Football Association and also as an employer".

Independent

We were guided by the intuition that an exhibition would be more likely to attract female participants than a competitive format would.

The New York Times - Tech

We were guided by the words of Australian of the Year Lieutenant General David Morrison who said that "the standard you walk past is the standard you accept".

The Guardian - Opinion

We were guided by the motive of freeing the Europeans peoples from the fear of nuclear catastrophe and then could move on to eliminating all nuclear weapons.

The New York Times

There were 40 of us – CAMIT members, friends, relatives and MIT staff members – and we were guided by two helpful local guides.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As we were guided into pigeon pose, the teacher offered this: "The thing is," she told us, "if you're mindful, you won't get hurt".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were guided", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what provided the guidance. This adds clarity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "we were guided" without specifying who or what provided the guidance. This can leave the reader wondering who or what influenced the actions or decisions. Instead, be specific: "We were guided by the expert's advice."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were guided" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject ('we') received direction or influence from an external source. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

34%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were guided" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey that direction or influence was received from an external source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and widely used. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that this phrase is particularly common in news and media, science, and academic contexts, reflecting its utility in explaining decisions and processes across various fields. While generally neutral in register, it's important to specify the source of guidance for clarity. Alternatives like "we were led" or "we received guidance" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember, specifying the source of guidance avoids vagueness and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were led

This alternative uses 'led' instead of 'guided', implying a more direct form of leadership.

we received guidance

This alternative is more formal, using a noun phrase to express the act of being guided.

we were directed

This alternative implies a more specific and less collaborative form of instruction.

we were shown the way

This alternative uses a more idiomatic expression to suggest being guided or instructed.

we had assistance

This alternative focuses on the help received rather than the direction provided.

we followed instructions

This alternative highlights adherence to instructions rather than the act of guidance.

we were under the influence of

This alternative suggests a more subtle and pervasive form of guidance or direction.

we were mentored

This alternative implies a more personal and developmental form of guidance.

we consulted with

This alternative emphasizes seeking advice rather than being directly guided.

our decisions were informed by

This alternative suggests that guidance came in the form of information that shaped choices.

FAQs

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

The phrase "we were guided" indicates that someone or something provided direction or influence. For example, "We were guided by the recommendations of the expert panel" or "We were guided through the process by an experienced mentor".

What phrases are similar to "we were guided"?

Alternatives to "we were guided" include phrases like "we were led", "we received guidance", or "we were directed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "we were guided by" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we were guided by" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction indicating that someone or something influenced the actions or decisions of "we". For example, "We were guided by ethical principles".

What's the difference between "we were guided" and "we guided ourselves"?

"We were guided" implies external direction or influence, while "we guided ourselves" indicates that the direction came from within the group. "We were guided" relies on external expertise, while "we guided ourselves" relies on internal knowledge or consensus.