we were met with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were met with" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something was encountered or encountered upon arrival. For example: "When we arrived at the bookstore, we were met with a large crowd of enthusiastic readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As the march neared Trafalgar Sq we were met with the Met's shiny new anti-protest barrier.

Vice

We were met with blank stares.

Harvard Business Review

Mr. Rivkin recalled, "We were met with howls of derision".

The New York Times

After getting our luggage off the train, we were met with two taxi drivers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

When we requested these registers we were met with stony silence by the courts themselves.

The Guardian

When we mentioned children to the oncologist, we were met with a look of surprise.

The Guardian - Opinion

At first, Mr. Cunningham-Reid said, "we were met with suspicion, resistance and inactivity".

The New York Times

"We were met with a 'Hurrah.' After a short stay with the company," Pierson said.

The New York Times

When we arrived we were met with home-made signs which read: "Welcome to Leeds".

Independent

Each morning we were met with more stories – from students who opened up about their anxieties and struggles.

The Guardian

"We were met with blank looks from the midwife and consultant, as if they weren't expecting that decision.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were met with" to describe a collective experience or reaction to a situation. It's particularly effective when highlighting the response from an external source or group.

Common error

Avoid using "we were met with" when a more direct active voice would be clearer and more concise. For example, instead of "We were met with silence," consider "They were silent."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were met with" functions as a passive construction indicating the reception or reaction experienced by a group. It emphasizes what was encountered rather than who initiated the action. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were met with" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a group's reception or experience. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples, predominantly from News & Media sources. While generally neutral in register, it is advisable to consider more direct active voice alternatives where appropriate. Understanding its function and purpose allows for effective and nuanced communication. Remember to avoid overuse, opting instead for direct and active voice constructs for improved clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we encountered

Replaces the passive construction with a more direct and active verb.

we faced

Highlights the challenges or difficulties encountered.

we received

Emphasizes the type of reception or response given.

we were confronted by

Indicates a more direct and potentially challenging encounter.

we discovered

Highlights finding something unexpectedly.

we experienced

Focuses on the overall sensation or event encountered.

we found

Simple way to state what was discovered or experienced.

we were greeted by

More specific to being welcomed or addressed upon arrival.

we were presented with

Highlights that something was offered or shown to us.

we ran into

More informal way to say we encountered something, often unexpectedly.

FAQs

How can I use "we were met with" in a sentence?

Use "we were met with" to describe a reaction or reception to something your group did or encountered. For example, "After the presentation, "we were met with" applause".

What can I say instead of "we were met with"?

You can use alternatives like "we encountered", "we faced", or "we received" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with phrases like "we were met with"?

While "we were met with" is grammatically correct, using an active voice might make your writing more direct. Consider alternatives like "They greeted us warmly" instead of ""we were met with" a warm welcome".

What's the difference between "we were met with" and "we encountered"?

"We were met with" often implies a response or reception, while "we encountered" simply means we came across something. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.