we were impressed

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were impressed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of admiration for something as in the example sentence "We were impressed by the performance of the actors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We were impressed".

The Guardian

We were impressed with the results.

Independent

We were impressed by the quality of the sushi.

The New York Times

We were impressed by the power of her imagination, actually.

The New Yorker

There was no question that we were impressed with him.

The New Yorker

We were impressed by the food-and-wine matching.

The New York Times

We were impressed by how quickly they hid themselves.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

So honestly, we are impressed.

The New York Times - Science

We're impressed, he's not.

The Guardian - Sport

"We're pleased with Fraser, he's done very well and we're impressed with him.

Independent

We are impressed with Boston-Power's green and high-performing technology".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were impressed" to convey a positive reaction or admiration, especially when evaluating something or someone's performance. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While versatile, "we were impressed" can sound somewhat formal in very casual writing. Consider using more relaxed alternatives like "we loved it" or "we were blown away" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were impressed" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing a positive evaluation or admiration. Ludwig AI shows it's used to convey satisfaction with a performance, quality, or attribute. It serves to communicate a favorable judgment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were impressed" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express admiration or positive evaluation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to convey a favorable judgment in various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While widely applicable, it's advisable to consider the tone of the writing and adjust accordingly. For example, avoid overuse in informal contexts. Common alternatives include "we found it admirable" and "we were struck by". Overall, it is a correct and very common phrase that effectively communicates a feeling of admiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we found it admirable

Replaces "impressed" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the admirable quality.

we were struck by

Emphasizes the sudden and impactful nature of the positive experience.

we were amazed by

Conveys a stronger sense of wonder and astonishment.

we thought highly of

Indicates a favorable opinion or respect for something.

it left a positive impression on us

Shifts the focus to the lasting impact of the experience.

we were captivated by

Suggests a strong sense of fascination and engagement.

we appreciated

Highlights gratitude for a specific quality or action.

we were taken with

Implies a charming or pleasing quality that attracted attention.

we esteemed

Expresses a high level of respect and admiration, often used in formal contexts.

we regarded highly

Similar to "thought highly of", but with a slightly more formal tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were impressed" to express admiration or a positive evaluation. For example, "We were impressed by the quality of their work" or "We were impressed with his dedication".

What are some alternatives to "we were impressed"?

You can use alternatives like "we found it admirable", "we were struck by", or "we thought highly of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "we were impressed by" or "we were impressed with" more correct?

Both "we were impressed by" and "we were impressed with" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice often depends on the specific object being evaluated. "By" often emphasizes the cause or source of the impression, while "with" focuses on a quality or characteristic.

What is the difference between "we were impressed" and "we are impressed"?

"We were impressed" indicates a past feeling or reaction, whereas "we are impressed" indicates a present feeling. Use "we were impressed" when referring to a past event or experience, and "we are impressed" to express a current sentiment.