we were joined by

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were joined by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone or something joined a group or activity that the speaker or writer was already a part of. Example: "We were joined by our new coworkers as we headed to the team meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

We were joined by the neighborhood cop.

The New Yorker

We were joined by Petty Officer Heath.

The New Yorker

We were joined by "roving engineer" Jason Loiselle.

Columbia University

We were joined by my sister and brother-in-law.

The New York Times - Food

We were joined by a flock of crows.

The New Yorker

We were joined by some of Bader's friends.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

We're joined by a sweaty Terry McLernon Jnr.

The Guardian - Sport

We are joined by elder Rocky Sainty.

The Guardian

Later, at lunch, we are joined by his friend, Jenny Duncalf.

The Guardian - Sport

We're joined by Welsh poet Ifor ap Glyn.

The Guardian - Books

Soon we are joined by another naked stranger, then another.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were joined by" to clearly indicate when someone or something became part of an existing group or activity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were joined by" when the subject is not a group or entity already in existence. For example, instead of saying "we were joined by a problem", specify that a problem arose or affected the group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were joined by" functions as a transitive verb phrase, indicating that the subject (we) experienced the action of someone or something becoming part of their group or activity. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis and the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were joined by" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that indicates the addition of someone or something to an existing group or activity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts. With numerous examples found across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, this phrase exhibits a neutral register and a strong presence in news and media. While there are similar alternatives like "we were accompanied by", "we were met by", it's crucial to choose the phrase that best fits the specific context. Remember to use "we were joined by" when you want to narrate how your group was supplemented by something or someone. The frequency of the query within the database indicates its widespread usage, thereby highlighting its reliability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were accompanied by

This alternative focuses on the act of being escorted or attended by someone.

we were met by

This alternative suggests a pre-arranged meeting or encounter.

we were greeted by

This alternative emphasizes the reception or welcome received upon arrival.

we were united with

This alternative suggests a merging or coming together of groups or individuals.

we teamed up with

This alternative implies a collaborative effort or partnership.

we collaborated with

This alternative highlights a cooperative working relationship.

we had the pleasure of meeting

This alternative adds a sense of enjoyment and positive experience.

we had the company of

This alternative focuses on the presence and social interaction with someone.

others joined us, including

This alternative is a more descriptive and less concise way of expressing the same idea.

we were in the company of

This alternative suggests being in the presence of someone or a group of people.

FAQs

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

Use "we were joined by" to indicate that someone or something became part of your group or activity, for example: "During the hike, "we were joined by" other hikers".

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

A more formal alternative could be "we were accompanied by" or "we were met by", depending on the context. For example, "we were accompanied by the director during the tour".

How does "we were joined by" differ from "we met with"?

"We were joined by" suggests that someone became part of an existing group, while "we met with" indicates a planned meeting or encounter. Consider the context carefully to choose the correct phrase. For example: "We met with the clients to discuss the project details".

Is it appropriate to use "we were joined by" in academic writing?

Yes, "we were joined by" is appropriate in academic writing when describing the addition of people or resources to a project or team. For example: "We were joined by a team of researchers from another university".