we were rejected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were rejected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where a proposal, application, or request was not accepted or approved. Example: "After submitting our proposal for the project, we were rejected, and we need to consider our next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"We were rejected flat out," Mr. Sensenbrenner said.

The New York Times

"We were rejected, not our policies," he insisted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thomas DeGrezia, the director, put it this way: "We were rejected".

The New York Times

"We were willing to take them outright, but we were rejected," Mr. Krotee said.

The New York Times

"In fact, we were rejected from one theater, they refused to sell tickets to me.

The New York Times

In 1970, he said that "during the revolution, we lost the Christ of the great cathedrals... we discovered the Christ who was rejected just as we were rejected".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Many wrongly believed we were rejecting a black celebrity class for just a highly professional class.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was the system we were rejecting".

Vice

"Then we go to college and we find out we are rejected by the American system.

The New York Times

The most difficult times are when we are rejected by the women we are trying to help.

The Guardian

We wash down a super-size pizza with a low-cal beverage; we pursue a love interest more intently the more we're rejected; and we buy high, sell low.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms such as "we were turned down" or "our application was denied" for varied sentence structure.

Common error

Avoid using "we were rejected" without specifying what was rejected. For example, instead of just saying "we were rejected", specify "we were rejected for the grant" for better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were rejected" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (we) received the action of being rejected by an unspecified agent. Ludwig AI examples show it being used in various contexts, from funding applications to creative projects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were rejected" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive voice construction that communicates the non-acceptance of a proposal, application, or request. According to Ludwig AI, it is frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you provide clear context about what was rejected to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "our application was denied" or "we were turned down" to add variety to your writing. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various professional and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our application was denied

Focuses specifically on the denial of an application.

we were turned down

More informal way of saying "we were rejected".

our proposal was declined

Specifically refers to a proposal that was not accepted.

we faced rejection

Highlights the experience of encountering rejection.

we did not succeed

Indicates a lack of success in a broader sense.

we failed to gain acceptance

Emphasizes the failure to achieve acceptance.

our request was refused

Focuses on the refusal of a specific request.

we were unsuccessful

Broader term for not achieving the desired outcome.

we met with a refusal

Highlights the encounter with a refusal.

our overtures were rebuffed

More formal, indicating a deliberate rejection of advances or approaches.

FAQs

What does "we were rejected" mean?

The phrase "we were rejected" means that a proposal, application, or request made by a group was not accepted or approved.

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

You can use "we were rejected" by clearly stating what the subject was rejected from. For example, "We were rejected from the program due to the high volume of applicants".

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

You can use alternatives like "our application was denied", "we were turned down", or "our proposal was declined" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "we were rejected" or "we faced rejection"?

Both phrases are correct, but "we were rejected" is more direct, while "we faced rejection" emphasizes the experience of encountering rejection. The better choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.