we were in high spirits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were in high spirits" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a time when you or a group felt very happy or cheerful. Example: "After receiving the good news, we were in high spirits all evening." Alternative expressions include "we were feeling joyful" and "we were in good mood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We were in high spirits as we changed clothes on the far side of the river, laughing and comparing our experiences of the moments before.

The New York Times - Travel

Two and a half hours, and several bottles of Mythos, later, we were in high spirits as we arrived at our spectacular hotel built into the side of the cliffs overlooking a picture postcard bay.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We are in high spirits".

BBC

Rangers fans in blue who traveled to the game were in high spirits — "We're saving Scottish football, starting at the very bottom," one claimed — and they swarmed over a stadium so small that every seat in the main stand was reserved with a fan's name on it.

The New York Times - Sports

On 25 September, he wrote: "All aboard were in high spirits and we were escorted by three destroyers - soon saw the last of dear old England".

BBC

Despite that odd setback and their poor showing, they were in high spirits when we met.

Huffington Post

The supporters, both sets, were in high spirits.

The New York Times - Sports

But the Bradbury Building was broadcasting without interruption, and its performers were in high spirits.

The New Yorker

Thinking of Home The Black Knights were in high spirits after the victory over Tulane.

The New York Times - Sports

Excited about their trip probably, they were in high spirits as they sipped juice drinks.

Independent

Her Majesty looked remarkably well, and both she and Prince Albert were in high spirits.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were in high spirits" to describe a situation where a group of people are feeling particularly happy, optimistic, or enthusiastic. It is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "we were in high spirits" to describe a fleeting moment of happiness. This phrase is more suitable for describing a sustained positive mood or atmosphere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were in high spirits" functions as a descriptive expression. It describes the emotional state of a group of people, indicating that they were feeling happy, cheerful, and optimistic. The Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase is used to depict a positive mood.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were in high spirits" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a group's joyful or optimistic mood. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples from reliable sources, primarily in news and media, confirming its wide applicability. While versatile, it's best used to depict a sustained positive emotional state rather than a fleeting moment. Alternatives like "we were elated" or "we were jubilant" can offer subtle variations in meaning for specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were in great spirits

A more general expression of good mood.

we were feeling cheerful

Focuses on the feeling of cheerfulness within the group.

we were elated

Focuses on a feeling of great happiness and exhilaration.

we were jubilant

Emphasizes a feeling of triumph and celebration.

we were ecstatic

Highlights an overwhelming feeling of joy and delight.

we were overjoyed

Stresses a deep sense of happiness and satisfaction.

we were thrilled

Implies a feeling of excitement and pleasure.

we were full of cheer

Suggests a lively and joyful atmosphere.

we were walking on air

An idiomatic expression indicating extreme happiness.

we were on cloud nine

Another idiomatic expression for being supremely happy.

FAQs

How can I use "we were in high spirits" in a sentence?

You can use "we were in high spirits" to describe a group's cheerful mood. For example, "After the victory, "we were in high spirits" and celebrated late into the night".

What does "we were in high spirits" mean?

"We were in high spirits" means that the group felt very happy, cheerful, and optimistic.

Are there alternative phrases to "we were in high spirits" that I can use?

Yes, you can use phrases such as "we were elated", "we were jubilant", or "we were overjoyed" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "we were in high spirits" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "we were in high spirits" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, although in formal contexts, you might consider alternatives like "we were elated" or "we were jubilant" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.