we were investigated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were investigated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when speaking or writing about a situation in which a group or individual was questioned by authorities or involved in a process of careful examination. For example: "Our department was suspected of violating safety protocols, so we were investigated by the company's Human Resources division."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"In the ensuing months we were investigated by the AFL and Asada and we handed over all documentation regarding our fitness and medical dealings during that period.

The Guardian - Sport

"I regret the error, but it was simply that we were investigated regarding a different stock," says Maier.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We were investigating the feel-good story".

The New York Times

We were investigating something very seriously.

The New York Times - Arts

"We were investigating opportunities," he said.

The New York Times

"We are investigating aggressively".

The New York Times

"We're investigating it.

The New York Times

"We are investigating".

The New York Times

We're investigating that.

The New York Times

"We are investigating those claims".

The New York Times

"Well, we're investigating that".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were investigated", ensure the context clearly indicates who initiated the investigation and the subject of the investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "we were investigated" without specifying by whom. Always provide context, such as "we were investigated by the authorities" or "we were investigated by an independent auditor", to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were investigated" functions as a statement indicating that the subject ('we') was the recipient of an investigative action. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this phrase as a correct and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were investigated" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression used to convey that the speaker or group was subject to an investigation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's appropriate in various contexts, particularly news reporting and formal statements. While the expression is used less frequently, its use is direct and serves to provide transparency or explain past events. When using the phrase, ensuring clarity on who initiated the investigation is vital to avoid ambiguity. Alternative expressions like "we faced an investigation" or "we were subjected to scrutiny" can add nuances depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were under investigation

Highlights the ongoing state of being investigated.

we faced an investigation

Focuses on the experience of facing an investigation.

an inquiry was launched into us

Switches to a more formal tone, emphasizing the launch of an inquiry.

we were subjected to scrutiny

Highlights the thoroughness and intensity of the examination.

authorities looked into us

Specifies that the investigation was conducted by authorities.

a probe was conducted into our affairs

Emphasizes a detailed and searching inquiry into the situation.

our actions were reviewed

Focuses on the actions being the subject of the review, not necessarily wrongdoing.

we were examined

Uses a more general term for the process of being investigated.

we were inspected

Suggests a formal check or audit was carried out.

we were audited

Indicates a financial or procedural review was undertaken.

FAQs

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

Use "we were investigated" to describe a situation where your group or organization was the subject of an official inquiry, as in, "After the incident, "we were investigated" by the regulatory board".

What's a more formal way to say "we were investigated"?

For a more formal tone, consider phrases like "an inquiry was launched into us" or "we were subjected to scrutiny", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing an investigation?

Both active and passive voice can be appropriate. Use active voice (e.g., "The authorities investigated us") when you want to emphasize the investigating party. Use passive voice (""we were investigated"") when you want to focus on the subject of the investigation.

What are common reasons for stating "we were investigated"?

Common reasons include addressing concerns, explaining past events, or providing context for current actions. For instance, it might be used to reassure stakeholders that issues have been addressed or to demonstrate transparency after a period of scrutiny.