we were influenced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were influenced" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how someone or something has had an effect on your thoughts, actions, or decisions. Example: "In our research, we found that we were influenced by various cultural factors that shaped our perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"We were influenced by the trauma and nightmares of the 1953 coup.

The Guardian

"We were influenced by Flickr, del.icio.us and others - but none are only about creating a list of friends.

The Guardian - Tech

We were influenced by 'reputable firms' saying it was a compelling transaction, but in the end we decided to do the deal.

The Guardian - Business

"We were influenced by Newton's advertising work for Y.S.L. in the 70's; very strong, very feminine, very sexual," says Domenico Dolce, of Dolce & Gabbana.

The New York Times - Magazine

We were influenced by the Smiths, Joy Division and We were both being pitched by the NME as stars of 1994.

The Guardian - Music

I was in a band called Disco Drive, which was a post-punk band – I guess you could say we were influenced by the Rapture and LCD Soundsystem.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"We are influenced by a lot of classic comedy.

The Guardian

(PS) Like everyone we're influenced by other people.

The Guardian - Tech

We are influenced by everything that goes on".

The New York Times

We're absolutely influenced by Dungeons and Dragons, and Tolkien, we're influenced by movies – and not just movies with fantasy settings, we're influenced by contemporary and sci-fi movies.

The Guardian - Tech

Sometimes we are influenced by things that we are not aware of.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were influenced", be specific about what influenced you and the nature of that influence. Provide context to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were influenced" too often without specifying the influencing factor. Over-reliance on the passive voice can make your writing vague and less engaging. Instead of saying "We were influenced," consider "X influenced us," which is more direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were influenced" functions as a passive construction, indicating that an external factor had an impact on the subject (we). As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

33%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were influenced" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate that external factors have shaped the subject's thoughts, actions, or decisions. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is correct. Predominantly found in news and media and scientific contexts, the phrase serves to provide context and transparency. While correct, be mindful of overuse and consider active voice alternatives for more engaging writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, you can effectively incorporate "we were influenced" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were affected

Focuses on the result of the influence, highlighting the impact on the subject.

we were impacted

Similar to 'affected' but often implies a stronger or more significant effect.

we were shaped by

Emphasizes the formative nature of the influence, suggesting a lasting effect.

we were molded by

Stronger than "shaped by", suggesting a more deliberate or forceful influence.

we drew inspiration from

Highlights the positive aspect of influence, focusing on gaining ideas or motivation.

we took cues from

Suggests a more subtle form of influence, where guidance or hints are taken from something.

we were guided by

Emphasizes the guiding aspect of the influence, suggesting direction or leadership.

we patterned ourselves after

Suggests mimicking or emulating something as a direct result of influence.

we followed the example of

Implies a conscious decision to emulate a specific model or precedent.

we emulated

A concise way of saying we imitated or copied due to influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were influenced" to describe how external factors affected your decisions, ideas, or creations. For instance, "In developing this product, "we were influenced" by customer feedback and market trends."

What are some alternatives to "we were influenced"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "we were affected", "we were inspired by", or "we took cues from".

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

While "we were influenced" (passive voice) is grammatically correct, using the active voice can often make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of ""we were influenced" by the Beatles", you could say "The Beatles influenced us".

How does "we were influenced" differ from "we were inspired"?

"We were influenced" suggests a broader range of effects, while "we were inspired" specifically indicates that something motivated or encouraged you creatively. Influence can be positive, negative, or neutral, while inspiration is generally positive.