we were horrified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were horrified" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong feeling of shock or disgust in response to something disturbing or upsetting. Example: "When we learned about the incident, we were horrified and couldn't believe such a thing could happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"We were horrified".

The Economist

Wake up!" We were horrified.

The New York Times

"We were horrified," he said.

The New York Times

"We were horrified," said Mr Jentzsch.

Independent

"We were horrified," a former staffer recalled.

The New Yorker

"We saw it on Wednesday, and we were horrified.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

We're horrified by terrorist violence.

The Washington Post

We are horrified, and we think most readers, textual purists or not, will be horrified too.

The New York Times

We are horrified by the crash of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.

The Washington Post

"We are horrified by what we are seeing," the surgeon said.

The New York Times

When animals attack, we're horrified, scared and also, let's face it, fascinated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were horrified" to clearly and strongly express a feeling of shock, disgust, or dismay in response to something negative. Ensure the context justifies such a strong emotional response.

Common error

Avoid using "we were horrified" when a milder expression like "we were disappointed" or "we were concerned" would be more appropriate. Overusing strong language can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were horrified" functions as a statement expressing a strong negative emotional reaction. It's a declarative sentence communicating shock, disgust, or dismay. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were horrified" effectively communicates a strong feeling of shock, disgust, or dismay. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its high frequency in news and media suggests a neutral register, suitable for expressing intense negative emotions in various contexts. While alternatives like "we were appalled" or "we were shocked" exist, "we were horrified" clearly conveys a deep sense of revulsion. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring the context warrants such a potent expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were appalled

Appalled suggests a strong feeling of disgust and moral outrage, often stronger than horrified.

we were aghast

Aghast expresses a feeling of great shock, horror, and revulsion, often stronger than horrified.

we were shocked

Shocked implies a sudden and unexpected feeling of surprise and disbelief, which can be a component of horror.

we were sickened

Sickened suggests a feeling of physical revulsion or disgust, often in response to something morally offensive.

we were disgusted

Disgusted expresses a feeling of revulsion or strong disapproval.

we were dismayed

Dismayed suggests disappointment and discouragement, often when expectations are not met.

we were disturbed

Disturbed suggests a feeling of unease and anxiety, often in response to something unsettling or frightening.

we were alarmed

Alarmed implies a feeling of fear or apprehension about a potential danger or problem.

we were unnerved

Unnerved suggests a loss of composure or confidence, often in response to something unsettling.

we were shaken

Shaken implies a feeling of emotional or psychological disturbance, often as a result of a traumatic event.

FAQs

What's the difference between "we were horrified" and "we were shocked"?

While both express surprise, "we were shocked" primarily indicates surprise, whereas "we were horrified" implies a deeper sense of revulsion, disgust, or moral outrage.

When is it appropriate to use "we were horrified" in writing?

Use "we were horrified" when you want to convey a strong negative emotional reaction to something deeply disturbing or morally reprehensible. Be sure the context warrants such a strong expression.

What are some alternatives to "we were horrified" that express a similar sentiment?

Depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey, alternatives to "we were horrified" include "we were appalled", "we were disgusted", or "we were aghast".

Can "we were horrified" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "we were horrified" can be used in formal writing, but consider your audience and the specific context. Choose language that accurately reflects the intensity of the emotional response without being overly dramatic or sensational.