we were heartbroken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were heartbroken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express deep emotional pain or sadness, often in response to a loss or disappointment. Example: "After hearing the news of her passing, we were heartbroken and struggled to find the words to express our grief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

We were heartbroken".

The New York Times

"We were heartbroken to have it stolen like that".

The New York Times

"We were heartbroken," he said, "but I didn't know what help we could be.

The New York Times

"We were heartbroken, devastated when we learned from him what had happened".

The New York Times

"We were heartbroken when they left us, and no one ever gave us the story of what happened.

The Washington Post

And when we were heartbroken, we turned to the dolorous Mohammed Rafi, or the ghazals -- lyric love songs -- sung by Jagjit & Chitra Singh or by Pankaj Udhas.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"We're heartbroken.

The New York Times - Arts

We are heartbroken to lose Diana.

The New York Times

We love you and we are heartbroken.

The New York Times

We are heartbroken by this terrible loss.

The New York Times

We are heartbroken to lose you.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were heartbroken" to express a shared feeling of deep sorrow or disappointment within a group. Ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of the emotional distress.

Common error

While "we were heartbroken" is appropriate for expressing genuine sorrow, avoid using it hyperbolically in trivial situations. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing seem insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were heartbroken" functions as a declarative statement expressing a shared emotional state of deep sorrow or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in conveying a group's reaction to an unfortunate event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were heartbroken" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression indicating a shared experience of deep sadness or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it conveys a sense of collective sorrow. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "we were devastated" or "we were crushed", depending on the desired intensity. Remember to use the phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse in trivial situations to maintain its emotional impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were devastated

This alternative suggests a stronger emotional impact, implying utter ruin or destruction of one's emotional state.

we were crushed

Similar to 'devastated', this conveys a sense of being completely overwhelmed by sadness or disappointment.

we were grief-stricken

This alternative emphasizes the experience of profound sorrow, often associated with loss.

we were deeply saddened

This phrase offers a slightly more formal and restrained expression of sorrow.

we were heartbroken and disappointed

This explicitly combines the feelings of heartbreak and disappointment, providing a nuanced expression.

we were filled with sorrow

This emphasizes the internal experience of sorrow, suggesting a pervasive feeling of sadness.

our hearts ached

This uses figurative language to convey the physical sensation of emotional pain.

we were in despair

This suggests a state of hopelessness and overwhelming sadness, often associated with a loss of faith or purpose.

we were crestfallen

This word suggests dejection or disappointment, often after a failure or setback.

we were disconsolate

This alternative signifies a state of inconsolable grief or sorrow, often after a significant loss.

FAQs

What does "we were heartbroken" mean?

The phrase "we were heartbroken" expresses a deep sense of sadness or disappointment experienced by a group of people, typically due to a loss, failure, or some other unfortunate event.

When is it appropriate to use "we were heartbroken"?

It's appropriate to use "we were heartbroken" when describing a significant emotional disappointment or loss shared by a group. Ensure the context aligns with the gravity of the phrase.

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

You can use alternatives like "we were devastated", "we were crushed", or "we were deeply saddened" depending on the context and intensity of the emotion.

Is "we are heartbroken" the same as "we were heartbroken"?

No, "we are heartbroken" describes a current state of sadness, while "we were heartbroken" describes a past state. The choice depends on whether the group is still experiencing the sadness or if it's a reflection on a past event.