we were rejoicing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were rejoicing" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express a state of happiness or celebration in the past. For example, "After the victory, we were rejoicing in the streets." Alternative expressions include "we were celebrating" and "we were exulting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Just as we were rejoicing over this, this had to happen," said Mr. Yano, whose organization received nearly $3 million from Akafuku to construct its headquarters and other buildings here.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We are rejoicing, thrilled.

The Guardian

Alternatively, should we be rejoicing that a number of living people are being saved from death?

The Guardian - Opinion

"He was thinking about that girl; we are rejoicing, he is saying, and someone else is devastated right now.

The Guardian - Film

So, one moment we are rejoicing with Orfeo in the human world, surrounded by his companions and loved ones, but not long afterwards we follow him down to the crisis-ridden Underworld, before finally rising with Apollo to the heavens.

The Guardian - Music

"We're exposed to certain technologies and, at some level, I hope we're rejoicing in them and articulating the language of our visual experience by bringing it into art," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

I will say that if we are rejoicing because a man is dead then our rejoicing is misplaced.

Huffington Post

"Today we are rejoicing!" said the Rev. Robin White, co-moderator of the LGBT advocacy group More Light Presbyterians.

Huffington Post

We are rejoicing over the fact that everyone has taken a step in the right direction in this silly thing we call life.

Huffington Post

"We are rejoicing at the victory of '73 but also supporting the army today, because they stood by the people and carried out the people's wishes," said Mohammed Gamal, a mustachioed 26-year-old pharmaceutical company employee.

Los Angeles Times

And so, we light the candle this morning, not because we are rejoicing, but because just as the white mixes with the purple and transforms it, we are waiting for Christ's light to break into the pain and violence of our world and bring the joy that feels so elusive.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were rejoicing" to describe a shared experience of happiness or celebration, especially when highlighting a specific moment or event that prompted the joy.

Common error

Avoid using "we were rejoicing" in somber or serious contexts where celebration would be insensitive or inappropriate. Ensure the situation genuinely warrants feelings of joy and celebration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were rejoicing" functions as a declarative statement expressing a state of collective happiness or celebration. It indicates that a group of people experienced and likely displayed joy at a particular time. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were rejoicing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a shared experience of happiness or celebration. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms like "we celebrated" or "we were thrilled" offer alternatives, "we were rejoicing" carries a slightly elevated tone that can effectively convey the intensity of shared joy. It's important to ensure the context is appropriate for such a positive expression, avoiding its use in somber or insensitive situations. Ultimately, this phrase provides a clear and effective way to communicate collective elation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we celebrated

Replaces "rejoicing" with a more common synonym; less intense than "rejoicing".

we were thrilled

Replaces "rejoicing" with "thrilled", indicating excitement and pleasure.

we were overjoyed

Replaces "rejoicing" with "overjoyed", emphasizing the intensity of happiness.

we were elated

Substitutes "rejoicing" with "elated", indicating a high degree of joy.

we were jubilant

Replaces "rejoicing" with "jubilant", suggesting a more public or expressive display of joy.

we felt great joy

Expresses the feeling of happiness in a more descriptive way.

we exulted

Substitutes "rejoicing" with "exulted", implying a more vigorous and enthusiastic expression of joy.

we felt triumphant

Shifts the focus to a feeling of victory or success, rather than pure joy.

we took delight in

Expresses pleasure in something, rather than a general state of rejoicing.

we were happy

A simpler and more general expression of happiness, lacking the intensity of "rejoicing".

FAQs

What does "we were rejoicing" mean?

The phrase "we were rejoicing" means that a group of people felt and expressed great happiness or joy about something that had happened.

What are some synonyms for "we were rejoicing"?

You can use alternatives like "we celebrated", "we were elated", or "we were thrilled" to express similar sentiments.

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

Example usage: "After the team won the championship, we were rejoicing in the streets."

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

Yes, "we were rejoicing" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when conveying a sense of shared joy or celebration in news or historical contexts. However, consider alternatives like "we celebrated" for more neutral tone.