we were identified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were identified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where individuals or groups have been recognized or named in a specific context. Example: "During the investigation, we were identified as key witnesses to the events that unfolded that night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Upon arrival, we were identified as troublemakers and hauled off one-by-one for a comprehensive bothering.

The Guardian - Opinion

We were identified by our regulator and as a result we were named as one of seven who were in line to receive support with our PFI payments".

The Guardian

We stood in a little holding cage outside the walls while we were identified with a video camera; then, after a thorough frisking, we were conducted to a dingy cafeteria where inmates met their families on visiting days.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"We were identifying a question," he said.

The New York Times

"From the smallest youngsters playing, we were identifying abuse and violence at sporting events as a huge problem, even back then," said Mr. Collincini.

The New York Times

"We were identifying plenty of paperwork which some might view as invalid".

Vice

We're not just identified as men; we're identified as particular types of men that do particular things in the playground.

Independent

It is now a question of how we identify versus how we are identified by the powers-that-be and how this affects our access to power, wealth, recognition and dignity.

The Guardian - Books

That's how we're identified.

Huffington Post

We're identified as part of the coalition.

Vice

It is intrinsic to freedom, therefore, that we are identified.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were identified", ensure the context clearly indicates by whom or what the identification was made. Providing this information enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were identified" without specifying the identifier. Omitting this information can leave the reader wondering who or what performed the identification, weakening the sentence's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were identified" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (we) underwent the action of being identified by someone or something else. This construction is useful when the actor performing the identification is unknown, unimportant, or implied. Ludwig examples showcase usage in media, business and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were identified" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that a group was recognized or distinguished by an external entity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It's most commonly found in news, business, and scientific sources. To use it effectively, ensure the context clearly indicates the identifier to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "we were recognized" or "we were singled out" can be used to convey slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we got identified

Changes from a more formal "were" to the more conversational "got".

we were recognized

Replaces "identified" with "recognized", implying a broader sense of acknowledgment rather than specific identification.

we were singled out

Suggests a more deliberate act of selection or isolation.

we were picked out

Similar to "singled out" but with a slightly more casual tone.

identification was made of us

Restructures the sentence to emphasize the act of identification rather than the subject.

we came to be identified

Adds a sense of gradual recognition over time.

we have been identified

Shifts to the present perfect tense, indicating a state that continues from the past.

our identities were established

Focuses on establishing identities rather than the act of being identified.

we were classified

Implies categorization or sorting based on specific criteria.

we were labeled

Suggests a potentially negative or limiting categorization.

FAQs

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

Use "we were identified" when you want to emphasize that a group was recognized or distinguished by an external entity or process. For example, "We were identified as the top performers in the company".

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

You can use alternatives like "we were recognized", "we were singled out", or "we were picked out" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "we were identified"?

The choice depends on the emphasis you want to create. Passive voice emphasizes the group being identified while active voice (e.g. "They identified us") emphasizes the identifier. Using passive can be useful when the identifier is unknown or unimportant.

What is the difference between "we were identified" and "we identified ourselves"?

"We were identified" indicates an external entity recognized or distinguished the group. "We identified ourselves" indicates the group actively declared or presented their identity.