we were saluted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were saluted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a group of people received a salute, typically as a sign of respect or acknowledgment, often in a military or formal context. Example: "As we entered the ceremony, we were saluted by the guards standing at attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

While entering we were saluted in a manner becoming the inhabitants of this savage land.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Naturally, this raises two questions: Why are we being saluted now, twenty-one months after our peak of courageousness?

The New Yorker

We don't want to have to wonder if we are saluting properly.

The New York Times

As the actor turns 50 today, we're saluting her many talents, but especially her vocals.

The Guardian

Today, we're saluting the THIRTEEN COLONIES with Randolph Ross, and one interesting thing to note in this puzzle is the crossing rebus in the center square.

The New York Times

"We are saluting our people for this zeal in protecting their religion, to grant victory to the prophet," the spokesman said.

The New York Times

Today, on the crooner's birthday (Dec. 12), we're saluting his dapper suits and ties.

Huffington Post

We're saluting these duos for Valentine's Day; vote for your favorites below.

Huffington Post

I'm not trying to rain on anyone's processional, but we're saluting every educational transition with ridiculous pomp and circumstance.

Huffington Post

"I'm like, 'Yeah whatever, we're saluting like that' / When the sun's going down, we'll be raising my cup / Singing here's to never growing up".

Huffington Post

"The Facebook claim of involvement was subsequently denied by the group at a news conference in the following days, but not very convincingly: 'We are saluting our people for this zeal in protecting their religion, to grant victory to the prophet,' a spokesman for Ansar al-Sharia said at the time.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of the situation. "We were saluted" is most appropriate in military, ceremonial, or formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "we were saluted" in informal or casual contexts where a simpler greeting would be more appropriate. This phrase carries a formal connotation that may sound out of place otherwise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were saluted" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (we) received the action of being saluted. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this usage. The examples show the phrase in contexts where a formal greeting or acknowledgement is being described.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were saluted" is a grammatically sound construction indicating that the subject received a formal greeting or sign of respect, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage is most common in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki-based articles, reflecting a neutral to formal register. Understanding the proper context for this phrase—typically military, ceremonial, or formal settings—is crucial to avoid misapplication. Related phrases, such as "we received a salute", offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. By considering these nuances, writers can effectively and appropriately employ "we were saluted" in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we received a salute

Focuses on the act of receiving a salute, emphasizing the gesture itself.

a salute was given to us

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the action of giving the salute.

we were greeted with a salute

Specifies the type of greeting received, similar to a formal acknowledgment.

we were honored

Highlights the feeling of being respected and valued.

we were paid respect

Focuses on the demonstration of respect shown to the group.

we were acknowledged

Emphasizes being recognized or noticed.

we were shown deference

Highlights being treated with courteous regard.

we were given recognition

Centers on receiving formal acknowledgment.

we were commended

Implies receiving official praise or approval.

a gesture of respect was made towards us

Rephrases the sentence in a more descriptive, less direct manner.

FAQs

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

Use "we were saluted" to describe a formal greeting or acknowledgment, especially in military or ceremonial contexts. For instance: "As we approached the monument, "we were saluted" by the honor guard".

What's a more casual way to say "we were saluted"?

For less formal situations, consider alternatives like "we were greeted", "we were welcomed", or "people waved to us".

Is it correct to say "we have been saluted" instead of "we were saluted"?

Yes, "we have been saluted" is grammatically correct. It implies that the action of being saluted has occurred at some point in the past and is relevant to the present. "We were saluted" is a simple past tense, describing a specific instance.

What is the difference between "we were saluted" and "we saluted them"?

"We were saluted" indicates that your group received the salute, while "we saluted them" means your group performed the act of saluting. The subject and object are reversed.