we were inspired by

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were inspired by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to discuss something or someone that motivated, influenced, or sparked creativity or action in a person or group. Example: We were inspired by the stories of courage and determination we heard from the survivors of the natural disaster.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We were inspired by neo-noir movies.

The New York Times

We were inspired by each other.

Independent

We were inspired by the work of James Turrell.

The Guardian

"We were inspired by the Guggenheim," Delphine said.

The New Yorker

We were inspired by the Doughnut Vault in Chicago.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We were inspired by that have-a-go attitude.

The Guardian - Music

We were inspired by recent developments in long-form journalism.

The Guardian

"But we were inspired by our understanding of Japanese culture.

The New York Times

"We were inspired by voodoo, these Haitian rhythms.

The Guardian - Music

We were inspired by the Campus Kitchens Project, a US food waste initiative.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We were inspired by him and benefited greatly from his generosity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were inspired by", clearly state what specific elements or qualities you found inspiring. This provides context and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "we were inspired by" as a vague statement without elaborating on the specific influences. Always provide details about the source and the ways it shaped your work or thinking.

Linguistic Context

"We were inspired by" functions as a declarative phrase expressing the source of influence or motivation for a particular action, creation, or idea. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples in Ludwig show this phrase in use across various contexts, highlighting sources ranging from art and culture to personal experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were inspired by" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, used to express the source of influence or motivation behind a particular action or creation. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various topics, highlighting the broad applicability of the expression. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: specify what aspects of the source were inspiring and avoid vague generalizations. Alternatives such as "we drew inspiration from" and "we were influenced by" can add nuance, but the core message remains consistent—acknowledging the roots of inspiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we drew inspiration from

Focuses on the act of obtaining inspiration, implying a more active seeking of influence.

we were influenced by

Suggests a more passive reception of influence, lacking the intentionality of seeking inspiration.

we took cues from

Implies deriving specific hints or signals, suitable when the influence is subtle or indirect.

we modeled our approach after

Indicates a conscious imitation of a particular method or style.

we patterned our work on

Similar to modeling, but suggests a structured and systematic adoption of elements.

that served as our inspiration

Shifts the focus to the source of inspiration, emphasizing its role.

we found motivation in

Highlights the motivational aspect, emphasizing the drive to create or act.

that sparked our creativity

Emphasizes the triggering of creative thought and output.

that ignited our passion for

Focuses on the arousal of strong enthusiasm and dedication.

we looked to for guidance

Suggests seeking direction and advice from a specific source.

FAQs

How can I use "we were inspired by" in a sentence?

Use "we were inspired by" to express that something or someone motivated or influenced your actions or creative work. For example, "We were inspired by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright when designing the new museum".

What's a more formal alternative to "we were inspired by"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "we drew inspiration from" or "we were influenced by", which convey a similar meaning with a slightly elevated register.

Is it correct to say "we were inspiring by" instead of "we were inspired by"?

No, "we were inspiring by" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "we were inspired by", where "inspired" is the past participle of the verb "inspire".

What's the difference between "we were inspired by" and "we were motivated by"?

"We were inspired by" typically refers to creative or innovative influences, while "we were motivated by" suggests being driven to take action or achieve a goal. Inspiration often sparks creativity, while motivation fuels action.