we were moved

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were moved" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe an emotional experience, such as "We were moved by his kind gesture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

We were moved by the material.

The New York Times

"We were moved here to make way for the M42.

The Guardian

"We were moved around like prisoners," he said.

The New York Times

We were moved between different civilian locations and interrogated by Americans.

The Guardian

The bar was set high, and sure, we were moved �� but he's more for our mums.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We were moved by the diversity and passion of the graduates.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

But we were moving.

The New York Times

We were moving a lilac tree.

The New York Times

"We were moving all the time.

The New Yorker

We were moving people around.

BBC

"We were moving through bills".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were moved" to describe an emotional experience, ensure the context clearly indicates what or who caused the emotional response. For example, "We were moved by her poignant speech."

Common error

Avoid using "we were moved" without specifying the source of the emotion. Saying "We were moved" without context leaves the reader wondering what prompted the emotional response. Provide clarity by specifying the cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were moved" functions primarily as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (we) was the recipient of an action (being moved), either physically or emotionally. Ludwig confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

18%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were moved" is a versatile expression used to describe either a physical relocation or a deep emotional impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used in English, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what or who caused the movement or emotion. Related phrases like "we felt touched" or "we were emotionally affected" can offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments. By understanding its nuances and contexts, you can effectively incorporate "we were moved" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we felt touched

Focuses on the emotional impact rather than the action of being moved.

we were emotionally affected

Highlights the emotional consequences more explicitly.

we found ourselves relocated

Emphasizes the state of being relocated, physically.

we were deeply affected

Intensifies the degree of emotional impact.

we were transferred

Focuses solely on the act of physical relocation.

we were stirred

Uses a more evocative term to describe emotional arousal.

we were displaced

Highlights the feeling of being uprooted or removed.

we were reassigned

Specifies a formal or organizational relocation.

we were touched

Emphasizes a gentle emotional impact.

we were impelled

Implies a driving force behind our actions or feelings.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were moved" to describe a physical relocation, as in "We were moved to a different office" or an emotional experience, such as "We were moved by the performance".

What does "we were moved" mean when referring to emotions?

When describing emotions, "we were moved" means that something deeply affected your feelings, evoking a strong emotional response. For alternative options, you can explore phrases like "we felt touched" or "we were emotionally affected".

Is "we were moved" formal or informal?

"We were moved" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the specific situation.

What's the difference between "we were moved" and "we were touched"?

While both phrases describe an emotional impact, "we were moved" suggests a deeper, more profound emotional experience, while "we were touched" implies a gentler, more subtle emotional response.