we were pleased with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were pleased with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express satisfaction or approval regarding something that has occurred or been presented. Example: "After reviewing the project results, we were pleased with the team's performance and the outcomes achieved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Still, we were pleased with the results".

The New York Times

"We were pleased with the calendar.

The New York Times

But we were pleased with Kwame tonight".

The New York Times - Sports

We were pleased with the seafood dishes at the Capt.

The New York Times - Travel

"We were pleased with that decision," her statement said.

The New York Times

"Obviously, we were pleased with the quality of work Mr. Hasselbach was producing," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

I mean, we're pleased with it.

The New Yorker

Which, of course, we're pleased with.

The Guardian - Music

"We are pleased with our progress.

The New York Times

But we're pleased with where we are".

The New York Times - Sports

We're pleased with the majority of the first performance.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were pleased with", clearly specify what you are pleased with to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "We were pleased with the results", specify "We were pleased with the project's improved efficiency and reduced costs."

Common error

Avoid overuse of "we were pleased with" in formal writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "we were satisfied with", "we welcomed", or "we appreciated" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were pleased with" functions as a declarative statement expressing satisfaction or approval. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples show it being used to convey satisfaction regarding results, decisions, performance, and various other outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were pleased with" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to convey satisfaction or approval. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, business, and scientific contexts. While versatile, varying your language and clearly specifying the object of your satisfaction can enhance clarity and prevent repetition. When writing, consider synonyms like "we were satisfied with" or "we welcomed" for stylistic diversity. By considering its function, purpose, and register, you can use "we were pleased with" effectively in diverse communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were satisfied with

A direct synonym, replacing "pleased" with "satisfied" for a slightly less enthusiastic tone.

we were happy with

Simpler and more informal, using "happy" as a direct synonym for "pleased".

we expressed satisfaction with

Formal alternative replacing "pleased" with "satisfaction" and adding "expressed" for emphasis.

we voiced our contentment with

Replaces "pleased" with "contentment" and adds "voiced our" for a more explicit expression of feeling.

we were gratified by

Uses "gratified" to indicate a deeper sense of satisfaction, often implying unexpected pleasure.

we found satisfaction in

Shifts focus to the act of finding satisfaction, rather than simply being pleased.

we regarded with approval

More formal and detached, suggesting a considered judgment of approval.

we thought highly of

Indicates a positive opinion or assessment, rather than direct pleasure.

we welcomed

A concise way to express approval or acceptance, often used for events or developments.

we celebrated

Signifies a strong positive reaction, implying joy and possibly public acknowledgment.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "we were satisfied with", "we were happy with", or "we welcomed depending on the context.

How do I use "we were pleased with" in a sentence?

The phrase "we were pleased with" is typically followed by the specific thing that caused the satisfaction. For example: "We were pleased with the outcome of the negotiations." or "We were pleased with the team's performance."

What's the difference between "we were pleased with" and "we were satisfied with"?

While both express approval, "we were pleased with" often suggests a slightly greater degree of happiness or delight than "we were satisfied with", which can imply a more basic level of acceptance.

Is it appropriate to use "we were pleased with" in formal writing?

Yes, "we were pleased with" is appropriate in formal writing, but it's important to consider the context and audience. In very formal contexts, you might consider alternatives like "we expressed satisfaction with" or "we regarded with approval".