we were prompted

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were prompted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe the action of being encouraged or urged to do something. Example sentence: "We were prompted to speak up by our teacher's question."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I've attended more than one nerdy party where everyone had a link open and we were all talking about things we didn't know until we were prompted by our conversation to look them up.

The New York Times

When we were prompted to allow the app access to our contacts list, the entire dummy contact list was uploaded instantly — and viewable in the database.

TechCrunch

Because OsPYL3 and OsPYL9 overexpression lines showed significant drought and cold stress tolerance at the seedling stage, we were prompted to determine whether the expression of ABA-regulated genes was also enhanced in these transgenic lines.

Rice

Impressed by the results, we were prompted to look into more conditions so as to synthesize more novel structures and as such, in this paper we report the synthesis of ZnO nanoflower, consisting of nanopencils-like petals through an environmentally benign hydrothermal method.

International Nano Letters

Vulnerability builds bonds and one of the first questions we were prompted to ask each other was what do you fear?

Huffington Post

We were prompted to create this contest by an article about how Team Clinton was test-driving "Dangerous Donald" as a playground taunt to level at Trump.

Huffington Post

"For instance, our second gesture was a confession piece in which we were prompted to share the worst thing we'd ever done, or the worst thing we had ever thought about doing.

Vice

Therefore, we were prompted to study the association of PGC-1α and sirtuin family members to determine if PGC-1α affects the expression levels of sirtuin members.

Plosone

Since the SOD3-derived reduction in inflammation showed selective inhibition of macrophage migration, we were prompted to confirm the finding and to better characterize the cell specific effect.

Plosone

In view of the importance of BRCA1 in cancer development and treatment, and the conflicting data in the literature as cited above, we were prompted to carefully evaluate BRCA1 stability and localization in the cellular response to diverse-acting DNA damaging agents.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In her guileless behavior and easy acceptance of the kindness of strangers, we are prompted to question our assumptions about whom we should trust, and why.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were prompted" to indicate that an external factor influenced a decision or action. Be clear about what prompted the action to provide context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "we were prompted" when you mean to convey direct causation. "Prompted" implies influence, not a guaranteed outcome. Use "caused" or "resulted in" for direct cause-and-effect relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were prompted" functions as a passive construction, indicating that "we" were the recipients of an action that encouraged or influenced us. Ludwig AI confirms its common and correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were prompted" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for indicating that an external influence motivated a decision or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is common across diverse fields, primarily Science, News & Media and Formal & Business communication. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects influence rather than direct causation, and be clear about the source of that influence. Alternatives like "we were encouraged" or "we were urged" offer subtle differences in meaning for nuanced writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were encouraged

This alternative suggests a more gentle form of influence, implying a supportive push rather than a direct urging.

we were urged

This alternative implies a stronger and more insistent form of prompting, suggesting a pressing need or importance.

we felt compelled

This alternative implies a sense of obligation or necessity driving the action.

we were driven

This phrase indicates a powerful force behind the action, suggesting a strong motivation or external pressure.

we were motivated

This suggests a reason or incentive behind the action, focusing on the cause of the behavior.

we were inclined

This suggests an internal predisposition towards an action, rather than an external urging.

we were led

This suggests guidance or direction from an external source, implying a follower role.

we were inspired

This alternative implies a creative or motivational influence, suggesting a positive emotional driver.

we were stimulated

This alternative suggests a triggering or activation of interest or action.

we were induced

This phrase implies persuasion or encouragement to do something.

FAQs

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

Use "we were prompted" to express that an external factor encouraged or influenced a decision or action. For example, "we were prompted to investigate further after seeing the initial results."

What are some alternatives to "we were prompted"?

Alternatives include "we were encouraged", "we were urged", or "we felt compelled", each carrying slightly different connotations of influence or motivation.

Is it correct to say "we were prompt" instead of "we were prompted"?

No, "we were prompt" means that you were on time or quick, while "we were prompted" means that something encouraged or influenced your actions. They have different meanings and aren't interchangeable.

What is the difference between "we were prompted by" and "we were prompted to"?

"We were prompted by" is followed by the cause or reason for the action, while "we were prompted to" is followed by the action that was influenced. For example, "We were prompted by the evidence to reconsider our hypothesis" versus "We were prompted to reconsider our hypothesis."