we were oblivious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were oblivious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being unaware or lacking knowledge about something, often in a past context. Example: "As we walked through the crowded market, we were oblivious to the fact that our bags had been unzipped."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

11: "In the past we were oblivious.

The New York Times

"We were oblivious that Danny should have been tested.

The Guardian - Sport

Either way, we were oblivious as we sat in the waiting room afterwards, arguing about who the foetus most looked like.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki, spiritual leader at the Dar al-Hijra mosque in Virginia, one of the nation's largest, which draws about 3,000 worshipers for communal prayers each Friday, said: "In the past we were oblivious.

The New York Times

We were oblivious to our surroundings.

BBC

But we're also against the killing of civilians in Afghanistan". He told the New York Times the same month: "In the past we were oblivious.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

This doesn't mean we are oblivious of fat levels, of course.

The New Yorker

We are oblivious of information until we are ready for it.

The New Yorker

We are oblivious to this rapid motion because everything in our frame of reference (these notes, your chair...) is traveling at the same speed.

Harvard University

"Ninety nine percent of the time we are oblivious, simply because we have not mapped and tracked 99 percent of Near Earth Asteroids".

The New York Times

Unless it's a persistent BO problem we're oblivious to, please resist the urge to diagnose why your friends are single.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were oblivious" to describe a past state of unawareness, particularly when emphasizing that the lack of knowledge was shared among a group. It effectively conveys a sense of shared ignorance or inattention to something that, in retrospect, seems obvious.

Common error

The phrase "we were oblivious" implies a shared state of unawareness. If you're describing an individual's lack of knowledge, consider using "I was oblivious" or "he/she was oblivious" to maintain clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were oblivious" functions as a declarative statement describing a past state of unawareness or lack of perception. It typically modifies the subject "we", indicating a collective lack of knowledge or attention. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were oblivious" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a past, shared state of unawareness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for various writing styles, generally leaning toward a neutral register. It's frequently found in News & Media sources, revealing how it's used to reflect on past events and shared oversights. While "we were oblivious" is appropriate, consider using alternatives like "we were unaware" or "we didn't realize" depending on the specific nuance. Remember to use "we were oblivious" only when indicating a shared lack of knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were unaware

Uses a different adjective to express lack of knowledge.

we didn't realize

Focuses on the lack of understanding at the time.

we had no idea

Emphasizes a complete lack of knowledge.

we weren't conscious of

Highlights a lack of awareness or attention.

we were ignorant of

Indicates a lack of knowledge, often implying a lack of education or understanding.

we were blind to

Uses a metaphor to describe the lack of perception.

we failed to notice

Focuses on the action of not observing something.

it escaped our attention

Shifts the focus to the information itself not being noticed.

we overlooked

Implies a failure to see something important.

we misapprehended

Suggests a misunderstanding or incorrect interpretation of a situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were oblivious" to describe a situation where a group of people lacked awareness or knowledge about something at a particular time. For example: "As children, "we were oblivious" to the financial struggles our parents faced."

What are some alternatives to "we were oblivious"?

Some alternatives include "we were unaware", "we didn't realize", "we had no idea", or "we were ignorant of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "we was oblivious" instead of "we were oblivious"?

No, "we was oblivious" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""we were oblivious"" because "we" is a plural pronoun that requires the plural verb form "were".

What's the difference between "we were oblivious" and "we were ignorant of"?

"We were oblivious" suggests a lack of awareness or attention, while "we were ignorant of" implies a lack of knowledge or understanding. "Oblivious" focuses on being inattentive, whereas "ignorant" focuses on lacking information.