we were guided by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were guided by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing how decisions or actions were influenced by certain factors, people, or principles. Example: "In our project, we were guided by the principles of sustainability and community engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"We were guided by our own judgment.

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 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 promises of a stable currency and solid rules,' the parliament speaker in Bratislava, Richard Sulík, complained this week.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

We're guided by it here.

The New York Times

"We are guided by medical advisers.

The Guardian

We have adopted a rights-based approach and we are guided by an indigenous advice group.

The Guardian

We cannot tackle the problems of 2002 if we are guided by visions of 1962.

The New York Times

We are guided by what's best for the residents of this borough".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were guided by", ensure the subject influencing the decision is clearly stated to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were guided by" without specifying what exactly provided the guidance; this can make your writing unclear and leave readers wondering what influenced your actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were guided by" functions as a passive construction indicating influence or direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Examples from Ludwig show its use in explaining the rationale behind decisions or actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were guided by" is a versatile phrase used to explain the influences behind decisions or actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in science, news media, and formal business settings. The phrase indicates that decisions were influenced by a specific principle, person, or source, providing a clear justification or rationale. It's crucial to clearly state the guiding principle to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "we were led by" or "we were influenced by", depending on the context. This phrase is a common and effective way to ensure transparency and explain the reasoning behind a specific course of action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were directed by

Indicates explicit instructions or orders received.

we were led by

Suggests leadership or direction from an external entity.

we were influenced by

Focuses on the impact of external factors on our decisions or actions.

our decisions were shaped by

Focuses on the formative impact of something on choices.

we followed

Indicates adherence to a set path or instructions; implies less active decision-making compared to being 'guided'.

we were inspired by

Highlights the influence of something positive and motivating.

we took our lead from

Highlights the act of following an example or suggestion.

we adhered to

Emphasizes strict compliance with rules or principles.

we operated under the direction of

Formal phrasing indicating supervision and control.

we deferred to

Suggests yielding to the judgment or authority of another.

FAQs

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

Use "we were guided by" to indicate that your actions or decisions were influenced or directed by a particular principle, person, or source. For instance, "We were guided by ethical considerations in making this decision."

What is a good alternative to "we were guided by"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "we were led by", "we were influenced by", or "we followed".

Is it better to say "we were guided by" or "we were instructed by"?

"We were guided by" suggests a more advisory or influential role, whereas "we were instructed by" implies a direct order or command. The better choice depends on whether the influence was a suggestion or a requirement.

What does "we were guided by" mean?

The phrase "we were guided by" means that a specific principle, person, or piece of information influenced your decisions or actions, providing direction or a basis for your choices.