we were implicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were implicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing involvement or connection to a situation, often in a negative context, such as being involved in wrongdoing or a scandal. Example: "During the investigation, it became clear that we were implicated in the financial misconduct that had taken place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ja'fari's line of questioning was, from the outset, clear: "He imagined that the Wilson Center was an agency of the American government, that we were implicated in some nefarious plot against the Islamic Republic, and that we routinely held secret meetings to plan strategy to this end".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We are implicated in the world.

The New York Times

In our silence we are implicated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Like the viewer of Giorgione's "Tempest," we are implicated in what is happening.

The New Yorker

We are the nameless citizens of Rome, we are implicated in the action.

The Guardian

Like everyone else in the novel's shadowy world, we are implicated as well.

The New York Times - Books

And when the story we are watching is based on truth – as it is in verbatim theatre – we are implicated even more.

The Guardian

If we condone corruption, we are implicated in the wars or military juntas that will spring up where it runs rampant.

The New York Times

"I'm speaking to the ways in which we are implicated in the architecture and the structure of our own democracy that allow these aggressions to happen".

The Guardian - Books

He sees an enormous gap between the viewing of disturbing images and contemplation of the ways in which we are implicated in the acts they portray.

The New York Times - Books

In all of our sadness and speculation, I can only hope that we will begin to reflect on that hatred: where it comes from and how we are implicated in its origins.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were implicated" when you want to convey involvement in something negative, such as a crime, scandal, or undesirable situation. Be mindful of the accusatory tone it can carry.

Common error

Avoid using "we were implicated" when a more neutral term like "involved" or "associated" would suffice, especially if you don't want to convey a negative connotation or place blame.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were implicated" functions as a passive construction, indicating that 'we' (the subject) were affected by an action. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates involvement or connection to a situation, often in a negative context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were implicated" is used to convey involvement in a situation, typically one with negative connotations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility in written English. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to consider the context and potential accusatory tone. Alternatives like "we were involved" or "we were associated" might be more appropriate in neutral contexts. Usage is most common in news and media, scientific, and formal business settings. Overall, understanding the nuances of "we were implicated" ensures clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were involved

This is a more general term for being part of something. It is a direct synonym of 'implicated' without specific negative connotation.

we were connected

Indicates a relationship or link to something, without necessarily implying fault or responsibility.

we were associated

Suggests a connection or relationship, often without implying direct participation or blame.

we were linked

Similar to 'connected', but can also suggest a more indirect or tenuous relationship.

we were entangled

Suggests a complicated or problematic involvement.

we were caught up

Implies being drawn into a situation, often unintentionally.

we had a hand in

Indicates some level of participation or influence, often secretive or indirect.

we were party to

Formally indicates being part of an agreement or activity, sometimes illicit.

we were privy to

Suggests knowledge of a secret or private matter.

we bore responsibility

Directly indicates accountability or blame for an action or outcome.

FAQs

How to use "we were implicated" in a sentence?

Use "we were implicated" to indicate involvement, usually in a negative context, such as a scandal or wrongdoing. For example: "During the investigation, "we were implicated" in the financial misconduct."

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

You can use alternatives like "we were involved", "we were associated", or "we were connected" depending on the context. The best choice depends on whether you want to maintain the implication of wrongdoing.

Which is correct, "we were implicated" or "we are implicated"?

"We were implicated" indicates past involvement, while "we are implicated" indicates current involvement. The correct tense depends on when the involvement occurred.

What's the difference between "we were implicated" and "we were accused"?

"We were accused" means someone has formally or informally claimed we did something wrong. "We were implicated" suggests involvement has been discovered or inferred, even without a formal accusation. It suggests a connection, often to something negative, but not necessarily a direct charge.