we were reminded that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were reminded that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation where someone or something has prompted a recollection or awareness of a particular fact or idea. Example: "During the meeting, we were reminded that deadlines are approaching and we need to stay on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Still, this is boxing; on a night when the great Panamanian Roberto Durán was introduced at ringside as Mexican, we were reminded that myth and hokum are perennial ingredients of the pie.

The Guardian - Sport

At least we were reminded that architecture is not just about exquisite baubles for the superrich.

The New York Times - Arts

Happily, elsewhere we were reminded that Downton can be a showcase for some fine acting.

Independent

On Sunday, however, we were reminded that, in soccer anyway, the same state has produced Clint Dempsey.

The New York Times - Sports

But last week, we were reminded that no government entity with such powers should operate free from independent oversight.

The New York Times

We were reminded that James Lind, a Scottish naval surgeon, conducted tests and found that citrus fruits would prevent scurvy.

The Guardian

We were reminded that we are citizens, with obligations to each other, to our country, and to history.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

We are reminded that science – or at least, how it's interpreted – can be ideological.

The Guardian

We're reminded that narrative is not life, but a trick a writer does with language, to make beauty.

The New York Times - Books

In this blog highlighting tips to combat hunger, we're reminded that often thirst can be mistaken for hunger.

HuffPost

We are reminded that S. Enteritidis can cause meningitis, which carries a very high case-fatality rate [ 1, 3, 4].

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were reminded that" to gently reintroduce a concept or fact that the audience may already be familiar with, creating a sense of shared knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "we were reminded that" excessively, as it can make your writing sound passive. Consider using active voice constructions when appropriate to create a more direct and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were reminded that" serves as an introductory clause. Ludwig indicates that it prompts a recollection or awareness of a particular fact or idea. Its primary grammatical function is to introduce a statement that the audience already knows, either consciously or subconsciously.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were reminded that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to reintroduce information to an audience, fostering a sense of shared understanding. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and common usage across varied sources, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to avoid overusing it to maintain writing vibrancy. Consider using alternatives for more impact. As suggested by Ludwig, while the phrase is acceptable, the best practice would be to use "we were reminded that" to gently reintroduce a concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were made aware that

Emphasizes the process of becoming conscious of something.

we recalled that

Focuses on the act of personally remembering something.

we were alerted to the fact that

Indicates a warning or notification about something.

it was brought to our attention that

Highlights the act of something being pointed out.

it was reiterated to us that

Highlights the repetition of information.

it was impressed upon us that

Stresses the forceful communication of something.

we were shown again that

Indicates visual or demonstrable evidence.

we understood again that

Implies a renewed understanding of something previously known.

we rediscovered that

Suggests finding something out again after a period of forgetting.

it came to our notice that

Indicates that something was noticed.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we were reminded that" to sound more formal?

You can use phrases such as "it was brought to our attention that" or "it was reiterated that" to achieve a more formal tone.

What is a good alternative to "we were reminded that" in academic writing?

In academic writing, consider using phrases like "it should be noted that" or "it is pertinent to recall that" for a more scholarly tone.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "we were reminded that"?

While "we were reminded that" is grammatically correct, consider using the active voice when possible for more direct and engaging writing. For example, instead of "we were reminded that deadlines are approaching", try "the meeting reminded us that deadlines are approaching."

What's the difference between "we were reminded that" and "we were told that"?

"We were reminded that" implies a previous awareness or knowledge, while "we were told that" simply indicates that information was conveyed, regardless of prior knowledge.