we were recognized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were recognized" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to being acknowledged or honored for something, typically in a formal or professional context. Example: "At the annual awards ceremony, we were recognized for our outstanding contributions to the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Following a thorough risk benefit analysis, once the cases of WE were recognized, the sponsor decided to discontinue clinical development of fedratinib.

Blood Cancer Journal

"We were recognized for our overall focus on technology," Ms. Conlon explained.

The New York Times

As might be expected, it was all heel-clicking efficiency once we were recognized.

The New York Times

We have the great honor to represent internationally the advance in artificial intelligence in Brazil: we were recognized by Intel International as AI BUILDERS.

Stanford University

After Game 1 we were recognized at every Canadian airport, and people were stepping aside to make corridors for us to walk down.

The New York Times

"Immigrants have helped build this society for many, many years, and I think it's time that we were recognized and given a chance," Ms. Cano, 46, said, tearing up as she spoke.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"I think it will be easier to find new members now that we're recognized".

The New Yorker

"I think we're recognized as achievers, here and throughout the state," Mr. Mendenhall said.

The New York Times

"Five year's work is now paying off as we are recognized by the art world.

The New York Times

"Now, we are recognized for our expertise, our own intellectual property," Mr. Heinecke said.

The New York Times

We are recognized leaders in the field of marine mammal research.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were recognized" to clearly indicate that your group or organization received formal acknowledgment or praise for a specific achievement or contribution.

Common error

Avoid using the active voice ('we recognized') when you mean to say you received recognition. The passive form "we were recognized" clearly indicates that the action was done to you, not by you.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were recognized" functions as a passive construction indicating that the subject (we) received acknowledgment or appreciation. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contexts ranging from awards to professional achievements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were recognized" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to indicate that a group or organization received acknowledgment, approval, or appreciation. According to Ludwig, it's frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts. While the active voice counterpart might be more direct in some situations, "we were recognized" effectively emphasizes the acknowledgment itself. When writing, be aware of the passive voice construction and use it intentionally to highlight that recognition was given, as using the active voice can change the meaning entirely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we gained recognition

Replaces 'were recognized' with a more active voice construction.

we received acknowledgement

Substitutes 'recognition' with 'acknowledgement', offering a slight variation in formality.

we were celebrated

Implies a more positive and public form of recognition.

we were acclaimed

Suggests recognition specifically for achievement or excellence.

we earned praise

Highlights the effort involved in gaining recognition.

we were distinguished

Conveys a sense of standing out or being particularly noted.

we achieved prominence

Indicates a rise to a position of importance or widespread recognition.

we became known

Focuses on the act of becoming recognized, emphasizing the change in status.

recognition was bestowed upon us

Uses a passive voice to emphasize the act of recognition being given.

we stood out

Implies recognition through being noticeably different or better.

FAQs

What does "we were recognized" mean?

The phrase "we were recognized" means that a group or entity received acknowledgment, approval, or formal appreciation for their actions, qualities, or achievements. It implies that their efforts or contributions were noticed and valued by others.

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

You can use "we were recognized" to describe a situation where your team, organization, or group received some form of official acknowledgment. For example, "For our efforts in community outreach, "we were recognized" at the annual volunteer awards ceremony".

What are some alternatives to "we were recognized"?

Some alternatives to "we were recognized" include "we received acknowledgement", "we gained recognition", or "we were acclaimed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "we were recognized" or "we received recognition"?

Both "we were recognized" and "we received recognition" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "We were recognized" uses a passive voice construction, while "we received recognition" is more active. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and the desired emphasis in the sentence.