we were received

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were received" is a perfectly acceptable sentence in written English.
You could use it when talking about a warm reception, for example: "We were received at the party with open arms and genuine warmth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

We were received with open arms".

The New York Times

"Let's just say we were received without incident," he says.

The New York Times

We were received by the president, Francis Bertram Elgas, and the Sec.

The New Yorker

That's why we were received that way, just like you see in the movies".

The New Yorker

And though we were obvious outsiders, we were received with nothing but kindness, and we felt comfortable.

The New York Times - Travel

We were received courteously by a spry, treacle-faced figure in white cotton trousers whose hair had been stained tangerine with henna.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

They were aware that we were receiving these watches because everybody received them".

The Guardian - Sport

Campbell: We were receiving requirements through the April-May time frame.

The Guardian

"We are very satisfied with the deal, a doubling of the income we were receiving at the stadium," Bernstein said.

The Guardian - Sport

In contrast, we were receiving reports of long queues outside polling stations in Nantwich, where the Tories were strong.

The Guardian

Weatherill said Turnbull's comments were "in contradiction of the oral advice that we were receiving from the Aemo".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider adding descriptive adjectives to specify the type of reception (e.g. "we were warmly received", "we were coldly received").

Common error

Avoid using "we were received" when you intend to emphasize your group's active role in seeking or initiating the reception. Instead, use a phrase that highlights agency such as "we arranged a meeting" or "we initiated contact".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were received" functions primarily as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject ("we") was the recipient of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, from formal reports to personal narratives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were received" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe how a group was welcomed or treated upon arrival. As Ludwig AI indicates, its passive voice construction places emphasis on the reception experienced rather than the actions of the receiving party. The phrase is versatile, fitting well in neutral and formal communication contexts like news articles and business reports. Alternatives like "we were welcomed" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using the phrase, ensure clarity and consider specifying the nature of the reception (e.g., warmly, coldly) for added precision. Avoid using it when you intend to highlight your group's proactive role in seeking the interaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were welcomed

This alternative uses "welcomed" to emphasize a friendly and positive reception.

we were greeted

A simple and direct alternative, focusing on the act of greeting.

we were met

This is a more concise way of saying "we were received", often implying a planned meeting.

we met with a reception

This option uses "reception" to refer to the way people reacted to the arrival.

we were given a welcome

This alternative focuses on the act of giving a welcome, highlighting hospitality.

we encountered a welcome

This suggests an unexpected or notable welcome.

a reception awaited us

This phrase inverts the sentence structure to emphasize the anticipation of the reception.

we experienced a greeting

This alternative puts emphasis on the initial greeting.

we were treated

Implies the manner in which people acted towards the group.

we found ourselves received

This phrasing adds a sense of discovery or surprise to the reception.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were received" to describe the reception you experienced upon arrival. For example, "we were received warmly" or "we were received courteously".

What's a more formal way to say "we were received"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "we were welcomed" or "we were greeted", depending on the context.

Is "we were received" passive or active voice?

"We were received" is in the passive voice. The subject "we" is the recipient of the action, rather than the performer.

Which is correct, "we were received" or "we have been received"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "We were received" refers to a past event, while "we have been received" implies that the reception has continued to the present. The choice depends on the specific context.