we were incapacitated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were incapacitated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being unable to function or perform due to various reasons, such as illness, injury, or overwhelming circumstances. Example: "During the storm, we were incapacitated and unable to seek help until the weather improved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Hurricane Sandy focused our attention on how we would broadcast if there was a situation where we were incapacitated at our Washington facility.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

To evaluate Wg signaling in the myoblasts, we generated clones of mutant myoblasts that were incapacitated for Wg signal transduction.

eLife

If I were incapacitated, then I would have to stop.

The New York Times - Sports

As Senate president, Mr. Espada would become acting governor if Gov. David A. Paterson were incapacitated or left office.

The New York Times

The new leadership structure means that Mr. Espada would become governor if Governor Paterson were incapacitated.

The New York Times

The new leadership structure means that Mr. Espada would become governor if Gov. David Paterson were incapacitated.

The New York Times

Well, they were incapacitated by decades of deregulation.

Huffington Post

More than anything else, my knuckles were incapacitated from the 10,000 feet of descending.

Huffington Post

Two slaves were killed, and most of the others were incapacitated for months.

Wikipedia

If patients were incapacitated by their stroke, next of kin provided informed consent.

Diabetes Care

We wanted to challenge the view that all older people are incapacitated, both financially and due to lack of empowerment".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were incapacitated", ensure the context clearly explains the cause of the incapacitation, whether it's physical, mental, or situational. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "we were incapacitated" excessively in passive constructions. Active voice often creates stronger and more direct sentences. For example, instead of "We were incapacitated by the storm", consider "The storm incapacitated us".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were incapacitated" functions as a statement describing a state of being unable to perform actions or functions normally. As seen in Ludwig, it commonly appears to explain a group's inability to respond to or manage a situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were incapacitated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a state of being unable to function normally as a group, often due to circumstances like injury, illness, or external events. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used across various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While variations like "we were disabled" or "we were immobilized" can serve as alternatives, the choice depends on the specific nuance you aim to convey. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly explains the cause of the incapacitation to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were incapacitated and helpless

Combination of synonymous phrases reinforcing the sense of powerlessness.

we were disabled

Focuses on a state of being unable to perform certain actions, often due to physical limitations.

we were debilitated

Emphasizes a weakening or enfeeblement, often due to illness or exhaustion.

we were immobilized

Highlights the inability to move or be moved.

we were rendered helpless

Stresses a lack of power or ability to protect oneself.

we were out of action

Implies a temporary inability to participate or function.

we were put out of commission

Suggests a formal or official disabling, often of equipment or systems.

we were made ineffective

Focuses on the loss of the ability to produce desired results.

we were paralyzed

Implies a complete inability to move or act, often due to fear or shock.

we were overwhelmed

Emphasizes being overcome by circumstances or emotions, leading to inaction.

FAQs

What does "we were incapacitated" mean?

The phrase "we were incapacitated" means that a group of people were made unable to function normally, often due to injury, illness, or other debilitating circumstances.

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

You can use it to describe a situation where a group's ability to act or perform is severely compromised. For example: "During the accident, "we were incapacitated" and unable to call for help."

What are some alternatives to saying "we were incapacitated"?

Alternatives include phrases like "we were disabled", "we were immobilized", or "we were rendered helpless", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "we were incapacitated" or "we became incapacitated"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "we were incapacitated" suggests a more immediate or sudden onset of the condition, while "we became incapacitated" implies a gradual decline or process.