we were safe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were safe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a group of people felt secure or protected in a particular situation or environment. Example: "After the storm passed, we were safe in our home, relieved that the worst was over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We were safe".

The New York Times

So we were safe.

The Guardian - Film

"We figured we were safe.

The New York Times

We were safe, free to cruise.

The New York Times

We thought we were safe, but we were just lucky.

The Guardian - Opinion

She adds, "We were safe for each other".

The New Yorker

We were safe from outsiders who didn't understand us.

The New Yorker

Under the water we were safe and protected.

The New Yorker

The pilot yelled to remain seated — that we were safe.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was agreed with Portsmouth to have the operation once we were safe.

The Guardian - Sport

"We were safe and now we've got a dressing room full of footballers crying".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were safe" to clearly communicate a past state of security or protection, especially after a period of potential danger or uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "we were safe" to describe hypothetical situations or future possibilities. This phrase is best used to describe a past, realized state of safety. Instead, use phrases like "we would be safe" or "we will be safe" for hypothetical scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were safe" functions as a declarative statement expressing a past state of security or protection. As indicated by Ludwig, it is a grammatically sound construction. The examples show it used in diverse contexts, such as after a disaster or in a secure environment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were safe" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a past state of security or protection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in News & Media. It serves to reassure, inform, or express relief. While neutrally formal, it's appropriate for various contexts. When writing, use it to accurately depict a past experience of safety and consider alternatives like "we felt secure" for nuanced meaning. Avoid using it for hypothetical situations. Key authoritative sources include The New York Times, The Guardian and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we felt secure

Replaces "safe" with "secure", emphasizing a feeling of safety.

we were protected

Focuses on the action of being protected rather than the state of being safe.

we were out of danger

Highlights the absence of danger as the primary condition.

we experienced safety

Emphasizes the experience of being in a state of safety.

we found refuge

Suggests a place or situation where safety was found.

we were unharmed

Focuses on the physical condition of not being hurt.

we evaded harm

Highlights the act of avoiding potential danger or harm.

we remained secure

Implies a continuation of a state of security.

we were in a secure location

Specifies that the safety was due to the location.

safety surrounded us

Emphasizes the feeling of being enveloped by safety.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were safe" to describe a past situation where you and others felt secure. For example, "After the storm passed, "we were safe" in our home".

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

You can use alternatives like "we felt secure", "we were protected", or "we were out of danger" depending on the context.

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

The choice between "we are safe" and "we were safe" depends on the timing of the safety. "We are safe" indicates a current state of safety, while "we were safe" indicates a past state of safety. For example, "We are safe now that the fire is out" versus ""we were safe" in the shelter during the storm".

What does "we were safe" imply?

"We were safe" implies that a group of people experienced a period of security or protection, often after or during a situation where danger was present or anticipated.