we were relieved that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were relieved that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a sense of comfort or alleviation regarding a particular situation or outcome. Example: "After hearing the good news about her recovery, we were relieved that she was going to be okay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

We were relieved that it was not sweet.

The New York Times

We were relieved that they were taking us from the crowd, until one pulled out his police identification.

The New York Times

In the end we were relieved that we had been able to celebrate with an appropriate flourish the arrival of Granada-land's boyish heroes on their first visit to the new world.

The Guardian - Film

After watching the subject of race intrude on the primaries last week, and become even more prominent this week, we were relieved that Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama called a truce Tuesday night.

The New York Times

In Baldwin, we were relieved that our budget passed, but it was a very conservative budget that added nothing new, aside from three sports teams in the middle school for a cost of $10,000.

The New York Times

Following the winding paths that led to the red brick, Southwestern-style hotel building, we were relieved that the place looked more like a luxury resort than a fat camp.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

We're relieved that Ben is going to be alright.

The New York Times

We are relieved that Washington and Moscow are talking about cooperation.

The New York Times

"We are relieved that they appear to be unharmed.

The New York Times

We are relieved that the trial has reached its conclusion.

The Guardian

We are relieved that this is over and justice has been done.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were relieved that" to express a sense of comfort or alleviation after a period of uncertainty or worry. It is effective for conveying personal or collective relief in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While acceptable, relying too heavily on "we were relieved that" can make writing sound repetitive. Consider alternatives like "it was a relief to learn that" or "we welcomed the news that" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were relieved that" functions as a declarative statement expressing a feeling of comfort or alleviation. It indicates a positive emotional response to a particular situation. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were relieved that" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for expressing a sense of comfort or alleviation. While Ludwig indicates its correctness, it's worth noting that the frequency is uncommon. It appears most often in news and media contexts. Consider using alternatives for variety, particularly in formal writing. The phrase conveys a neutral tone, suitable for a range of communications, and implies a positive emotional response following uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we felt relieved that

Changes the verb from "were" to "felt" emphasizing the emotional experience of relief.

we were glad that

Replaces "relieved" with the simpler term "glad", conveying a similar emotion.

it was a relief that

Shifts the focus to the situation providing relief rather than the personal feeling.

we breathed a sigh of relief that

Adds a more vivid, physical expression of relief.

we were eased that

Uses "eased" as a synonym for "relieved", suggesting a lessening of worry.

our worries were allayed that

Focuses on the diminishing of worries due to a specific event.

we found comfort in the fact that

Highlights the comforting aspect of the situation.

we took solace in knowing that

Emphasizes the finding of comfort in knowledge.

we were reassured that

Indicates a restoration of confidence and lessening of doubts.

the news brought us relief that

Highlights that relief came from external news.

FAQs

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

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "it was a relief to learn that" or "we welcomed the news that" to convey a similar sentiment with greater formality.

How can I use "we were relieved that" in a sentence?

You can use it to express a sense of comfort or alleviation following a period of worry or uncertainty. For example, "After the doctor confirmed the diagnosis, "we were relieved that" the condition was treatable."

What can I say instead of "we were relieved that" to show a stronger emotion?

To express a stronger emotion, you might say "we were overjoyed that" or "we were incredibly grateful that", depending on the intensity of the feeling.

Is it correct to say "we are relieved that" instead of "we were relieved that"?

Yes, both are correct but convey different time frames. "We are relieved that" expresses current relief, while ""we were relieved that"" expresses relief felt in the past.