we were ordered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were ordered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a directive or command given to a group, often in a formal or military context. Example: "After the briefing, we were ordered to proceed with the mission immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We were ordered to sit down.

The Guardian

"We were ordered to stay in one place doing the same thing again and again.

The New York Times - Magazine

"One day we were ordered to cause as much disruption as possible to communications.

The Guardian

We were ordered to go due east and out of the Galápagos marine reserve.

The New Yorker

It was New Year's Eve, and we were ordered to watch the official celebration on CCTV.

The New Yorker

I objected to the procedure, as did several other students, but we were ordered to participate.

The New Yorker

We were ordered to go straight home and tell our parents what had happened.

The New Yorker

We were ordered to either disperse the crowd or eliminate everybody, including children.

The New Yorker

I loaded & fired my piece without any trouble till we were ordered off the field".

The New York Times

We were ordered only to ask questions about jobs in "our India" for "us".

The New York Times

We rushed to an area where again we were ordered to form a line and board a bus.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were ordered", ensure the context clearly identifies who issued the order. This adds clarity and authority to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "we were ordered" without specifying who gave the order. This can make the sentence vague and less impactful. Always aim for clarity by including the source of the order.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were ordered" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (we) received an order. Ludwig AI confirms that is correct and usable in written English. This construction is used to emphasize the action rather than the actor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were ordered" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that a group received a directive or command. As Ludwig AI explains, it's especially prevalent in news and media contexts but also appears in formal business settings. To enhance clarity, specify the source of the order and avoid ambiguity related to passive voice constructions. Alternatives like "we were instructed" or "we were directed" can offer nuanced meanings. By considering these guidelines, you can effectively use "we were ordered" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were given the order

Highlights the receipt of a specific order.

an order was given to us

Passively emphasizes the issuance of an order.

we were commanded

A stronger and more formal synonym for 'ordered', often used in military contexts.

we were instructed

Similar to 'ordered' but implies a more educational or guidance-based directive.

we were directed

Implies a clear path or action was indicated to us.

we received instructions

Focuses on receiving guidance rather than a strict command, softening the tone.

we had a command to

Focuses on the command itself rather than the act of being ordered.

it was mandated that we

Emphasizes the compulsory nature of the action.

directives were issued to us

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the issuance of directives, maintaining a formal tone.

we were told to

A more informal way of expressing that a directive was received.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were ordered" to indicate that a group received a directive or command, for example: "After the meeting, "we were ordered" to start the project immediately".

What's the difference between "we were ordered" and "we were instructed"?

"We were ordered" implies a command or directive, often from a position of authority, while "we were instructed" suggests guidance or teaching. The latter is less forceful. So, you can use alternatives like "we were instructed" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "we were ordered"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "we were instructed", "we were commanded", or "we were directed".

Is "we were ordered" formal or informal?

"We were ordered" is generally considered neutral to formal. The level of formality depends on the specific situation and the authority of the person giving the order. It can be replaced by alternatives like "we were told to" in more informal contexts.