we were secure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were secure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of safety or stability in a past context. Example: "During the negotiations, we were secure in our position and confident about the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

We were secure and calm, confident in what we were doing, confident that we were doing things the right way.

The Guardian - Sport

The house was in a terrible condition but, thinking we were secure there, I worked for many days cleaning and decorating, then I totally overhauled the rubbish-filled garden.

The Guardian

In the suburbs a generation ago, for example, we went off on our bicycles, built our secret forts, threw around our rocks and sticks, and carried from parental authority vague directions to be home by sunset — but we were secure in the knowledge that we might be difficult to find if we strayed.

The New Yorker

Though we were secure monetarily, his experience during the depression formed his approach to our family life.

Huffington Post

There would be no new shoes, food to eat or utilities paid until my parents put together enough funds to make sure we were secure with a roof over our head.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

When we are secure, we are successful.

The New York Times

We are secure in our own faith.

The New York Times

If our rights are being honored and protected, then we are secure.

The New York Times

We still have to get enough points from the six remaining matches to make sure we're secure," Hughton said.

The Guardian - Sport

Today, it is funds and capacities that are needed if we are secure universal provision, not innovation.

The Guardian

"I think the feeling we are secure and things can't really change is an illusion," he says.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "we were secure" in your writing, ensure that the context clarifies the specific area in which security was experienced, such as financial, physical, or emotional security.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "we were secure" implies absolute, all-encompassing safety. Specify the domain of security to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were secure" functions as a declarative statement, asserting a past state of safety, stability, or freedom from threat experienced by a group. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were secure" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe a past state of safety or stability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not extremely frequent, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news media and formal settings. When using this phrase, it's important to define the specific domain of security to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "we felt safe" or "we were protected" can offer nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we had security

Rephrases "secure" as a state of "security"

we felt safe

Focuses on the feeling of safety rather than a state of security.

we were protected

Emphasizes the aspect of being shielded from harm.

we were unthreatened

Emphasizes the absence of perceived threats.

we were in a safe place

Highlights the physical aspect of being in a secure location.

we were free from danger

Stresses the absence of threats.

we experienced safety

Highlights personal experience of safety.

we were out of harm's way

Figuratively describes being beyond the reach of danger.

we found refuge

Indicates having found a place of safety and shelter.

we were sheltered

Highlights being shielded and cared for.

FAQs

What does "we were secure" mean?

The phrase "we were secure" means that in a past context, a group of people felt safe, protected, and free from danger or threat. It implies a state of stability and confidence.

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

You can use "we were secure" to describe a past situation where safety and stability were present. For example: "During the negotiations, "we were secure" in our position and confident about the outcome."

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

You can use alternatives like "we felt safe", "we were protected", or "we were in a safe place" depending on the context.

Is "we were secure" formal or informal?

"We were secure" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.