we were sent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were sent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a past event when someone or something was sent to a specific location. Example sentence: We were sent to the store to pick up some groceries.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"That's why we were sent here," he says.

The New Yorker

I wrote "cancel" on bills we were sent.

The New York Times

"The following day we were sent to fetch water.

Independent

"Maybe once or twice, we were sent to pick samples with stylists," she said.

The New York Times - Style

"We were sent to a big cold room," remembered Nicholas, 13.

The New York Times

When I got the contract, we were sent the "digs list" for Southampton.

The Guardian

"We were sent to Hainan Island in China to meet our dolphins.

The Guardian

Then we were sent out into the field to smell what we could smell.

The New Yorker

It's always winter because in summertime we were sent out of town to escape polio.

The New York Times - Arts

"But we got skeptical when we were sent home that first day.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

" 'Go away' was the message we were sending".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "we were sent", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what initiated the sending action to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Ensure that the sentence includes enough context for the reader to understand who did the sending and why. Vague references can confuse the reader and weaken the message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were sent" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (we) received the action of being sent. This structure emphasizes that an external force or entity initiated the action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were sent" is a common and grammatically sound passive voice construction used to indicate that an external entity directed the subject to a specific location or task. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread use. While its register is typically neutral, the context can influence the perceived formality. Key considerations include clearly identifying the sender and avoiding vague references. Alternatives like "we were dispatched" and "we were instructed" offer more formal options. Overall, "we were sent" provides a concise way to convey a lack of agency and the imposition of an external directive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were dispatched

Emphasizes the act of being officially sent on a mission or task.

we were assigned

Highlights the allocation of a specific duty or responsibility.

we were directed

Focuses on receiving instructions to go somewhere or do something.

we were instructed to go

Specifically mentions the act of receiving instructions and the action of going.

we were ordered

Suggests a command or authoritative instruction.

we received orders to proceed

Formal and emphasizes the receipt of orders before action.

we were tasked

Highlights being given a task or assignment.

we were detailed

Implies being assigned to a specific duty, often in a military or structured context.

our destination was determined

Focuses on the determination of the final location.

it was arranged for us to go

Emphasizes that external arrangements facilitated the travel or action.

FAQs

How do I use "we were sent" in a sentence?

Use "we were sent" to describe a situation where you and others were dispatched or instructed to go somewhere or do something by an external entity. For example, "We were sent to investigate the matter further".

What's a more formal alternative to "we were sent"?

More formal alternatives include "we were dispatched" or "we were instructed", which suggest a more official directive.

Can "we were sent" be used in the active voice?

No, "we were sent" is inherently passive. To use the active voice, you would need to restructure the sentence to indicate who or what did the sending, such as "They sent us".

What is the difference between "we were sent" and "we went"?

"We were sent" implies an external directive or instruction, whereas "we went" simply states that you traveled somewhere, without specifying the reason or initiator.