we were later

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were later" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group of people arrived or did something at a later time than expected or previously mentioned. Example: "We were later than planned due to heavy traffic on the way to the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"We weren't smarter, we were later.

The Guardian

We were later told it was rat urine we had seen and smelled".

The New York Times

"We were later called ahead of our time, but we knew we were right on time.

The New York Times

We were later driven by army trucks to the Iranian border.

The Guardian

We were later asked for receipts to prove the value of the objects.

The New York Times

We were later informed the grill door of the cooker had been shut while the grill was on.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

In the film, we are later told that Ernesto gave Chichina's $15 to the couple.

The Guardian - Film

She stands, we are later informed, as an inspiration to the generations that follow.

The Guardian - Film

We've not made a decision and we'll see where we are later in the summer.

BBC

"Where Are We Going" was later covered by trumpeter Donald Byrd.

Wikipedia

We meant "complemented"; it was later fixed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were later", ensure the preceding context clearly establishes the initial event or situation to which the phrase refers, creating a coherent timeline for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "we were later" without establishing a clear prior event or timeframe. This can create confusion for the reader if they don't understand what event is being referenced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were later" functions as a passive construction indicating that the subject ('we') received information or experienced something at a time subsequent to a previously mentioned event or time frame. This usage aligns with examples provided by Ludwig, showcasing its role in narrating sequences of events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were later" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to indicate that the subject received information or took an action at a subsequent time. As Ludwig AI confirms, its strength lies in narrating sequences of events and highlighting the timing of information received. While suitable for various contexts, including news and media, more formal settings might benefit from slightly more precise language. However, "we were later" remains a valuable tool for clear and chronological storytelling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we subsequently learned

Emphasizes the learning or discovery aspect of the information received at a later time.

we found out afterwards

Focuses on the timing of the discovery, highlighting that it happened after a certain event.

it was later revealed to us

Highlights the revealing of information, often implying a sense of surprise or uncovering.

we were informed thereafter

More formal, emphasizing the act of being informed after a specific point in time.

we came to know eventually

Indicates a process of learning over time, with the knowledge arriving eventually.

we then understood

Shifts the focus to understanding something at a later point, rather than just being told.

subsequently, we realized

Emphasizes the realization aspect occurring after a preceding event.

in retrospect, we discovered

Highlights the element of hindsight in the discovery.

down the line, we heard

Informal, indicating information received at a later, unspecified time.

we understood in due course

Suggests that understanding came naturally over time.

FAQs

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

Use "we were later" to indicate that you and others received information or took an action after a certain event or period. For example, "We initially thought the project was on track, but "we were later" informed of significant delays".

What phrases are similar to "we were later"?

Alternatives include "we subsequently learned", "we found out afterwards", or "it was later revealed to us", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "we were later" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "we were later" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when narrating events in a clear and chronological manner. However, for highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "we were subsequently informed".

What's the difference between "we were later" and "later we were"?

"We were later" is the standard and grammatically correct construction. "Later we were" is less common and can sound awkward, especially in formal writing. The standard phrase places emphasis on the "we" and the sequence of events.