we were intrigued

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were intrigued" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing curiosity or interest in something that has been presented or discussed. Example: "After hearing the presentation about the new project, we were intrigued by the innovative ideas and potential outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We were intrigued.

The New York Times - Food

We were intrigued by him".

The New Yorker

Still, we were intrigued by the concept.

The New York Times

But as novice canoers, we were intrigued by the thought of exploring the waterways ourselves.

The New York Times - Travel

We were intrigued by his report cards — bearing few A's — from Groton and Harvard.

The New York Times - Travel

We were intrigued, but were sure Naniboujou was out of our price range.

The New York Times - Travel

We were intrigued to learn about the company running the consultation.

The Guardian

We were intrigued to find what happens to AeCHD7 during DENV infection.

Nature

In Atlanta, "we were intrigued by the whole story," said Damon, the CDC's pox virus chief.

The Washington Post

The first time, we were intrigued, the second (or in some cases, umpteenth), we were uncomfortable.

The Guardian - Opinion

And we were intrigued by the range of careers available in the space industry.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were intrigued" to express a mild sense of curiosity or interest, often as a precursor to further investigation or discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "we were intrigued" when a stronger emotion, such as excitement or deep fascination, is more appropriate. Choose a more impactful phrase to accurately convey your level of interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were intrigued" functions as an expression of interest or curiosity. It indicates that the subject (we) experienced a sense of fascination or piqued interest in something, prompting further attention or investigation, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were intrigued" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that expresses a mild sense of curiosity or interest. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic domains. While suitable for formal writing, ensure it accurately reflects the level of interest and consider alternatives like "we found it fascinating" or "we were curious about it" when appropriate. Avoiding overstatement ensures the phrase's impact and relevance in expressing piqued interest.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we found it fascinating

Replaces "intrigued" with "fascinating", emphasizing a strong sense of captivation.

we were curious about it

Substitutes "intrigued" with "curious", highlighting a desire to learn more.

it piqued our interest

Uses the idiom "piqued our interest" to express a sudden and stimulating curiosity.

we became interested

Emphasizes the transition into a state of interest.

we were captivated by it

Replaces "intrigued" with "captivated", suggesting a strong allure.

we were drawn to it

Suggests an almost magnetic attraction or interest.

we found it compelling

Highlights the persuasive or irresistible nature of something.

we were impressed

Expresses admiration and positive regard, a stronger reaction than mere intrigue.

it caught our attention

Focuses on the act of noticing something and finding it noteworthy.

we paid close attention

Implies that there was a deliberate focus and consideration.

FAQs

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

"We were intrigued" is typically followed by 'by' or 'with' to indicate the object of intrigue. For example, "We were intrigued by the new findings" or "We were intrigued with the potential applications".

What can I say instead of "we were intrigued"?

You can use alternatives like "we found it fascinating", "we were curious about it", or "it piqued our interest" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "we were intrigued" in formal writing?

Yes, "we were intrigued" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in reports, academic papers, and business communications. It conveys interest in a professional and measured tone.

What's the difference between "we were intrigued" and "we were interested"?

"We were interested" is a general expression of attention, while "we were intrigued" suggests a more specific sense of curiosity or fascination that prompts further exploration. Intrigue implies something slightly mysterious or unexpected.