we were set up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were set up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone was deceived or tricked into a situation, often implying that there was a deliberate plan behind it. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, it became clear that we were set up to take the fall for something we didn't do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We were set up in teams.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's almost like we were set up".

The New York Times

"We were set up," he said.

The New York Times

Mentally we were set up and secure.

The Guardian - Sport

"We were set up as a distraction," he hints darkly.

The Guardian - Sport

We were set up as a way of tackling poverty.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We were set up for that purpose," says the group's spokesman, Ben Miller.

The Guardian

"We were set up to advise ministers on whether or not IVF should happen.

The Guardian

"We had Adrianne at the time, so we were set up for children".

The New York Times

"I'm going to assume if we were set up, we would have shot," Shanahan said sarcastically.

The New York Times - Sports

We looked like "we were set up to get mani-pedis" instead of waiting for radiographs, Berman said.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were set up", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what orchestrated the setup. Providing specific details strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "we were set up" excessively in your writing. While appropriate in some contexts, over-reliance on the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or evasive. Consider active voice alternatives where appropriate to convey a more direct and assertive tone.

Linguistic Context

"We were set up" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (we) was the recipient of an action (being set up) rather than the actor. It is generally used to express that someone has been manipulated or deceived. As Ludwig AI confirms, it conveys a sense of having been unfairly targeted or manipulated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were set up" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to express a sense of being tricked or manipulated. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it indicates that the subject was the recipient of a deliberate scheme. It frequently appears in News & Media, where it serves to convey feelings of victimization or betrayal. While the phrase has a neutral register, it's essential to use it judiciously, avoiding over-reliance on the passive voice to maintain a strong and assertive tone in your writing. Alternatives such as "we were framed" or "we were tricked" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were framed

Indicates being wrongly accused of something.

we were tricked

Highlights the act of being deceived.

we were deceived

Focuses on the feeling of being misled.

we were manipulated

Emphasizes being controlled unfairly.

we were double-crossed

Suggests betrayal by someone trusted.

we were lured into a trap

Highlights being attracted to danger by deceit.

we were made scapegoats

Indicates being unfairly blamed for something.

we were the victims of a conspiracy

Points to a secret plan to harm us.

we were played

Highlights being manipulated like a game.

we were betrayed

Focuses on the violation of trust.

FAQs

What does "we were set up" mean?

It means that someone or a group of people were tricked or manipulated into a situation, often implying a deliberate plan to cause harm or disadvantage.

What can I say instead of "we were set up"?

You can use alternatives like "we were framed", "we were tricked", or "we were deceived" depending on the context.

Is "we were set up" a formal or informal expression?

It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's generally more common in news reporting and everyday conversation.

How to use "we were set up" in a sentence?

For example: "After the investigation, it became clear that "we were set up" to take the blame."