we were shown

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were shown" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that someone showed you something. For example: "We were shown a video of the demonstration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Personal Experiences

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We were shown, without doubt, everything there was".

The Guardian - Books

"When we were shown pictures of the original models, they spoke for themselves".

The New York Times

We were shown a long room with a row of beds.

The New York Times

Effectively we were shown the place where the Cultural Centre was going to be.

The Guardian - Books

We were shown the way to "Adam's Tree" by a gaggle of local children.

The New Yorker

"We weren't anywhere near our best (on Friday night), we were shown up.

The Guardian - Sport

"It didn't bother me that we were shown - how should I put it?

The Guardian

We were shown some rushes and the reality behind it suddenly hit me.

The Guardian - Film

We were shown the treehouses boys build and how to make fire by rubbing sticks.

The New York Times - Travel

If we were shown a rape, the film would coarsen into a cautionary tale.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We were showing a dream, an ideal".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were shown" to clearly indicate that something was presented or demonstrated to a group of people. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "we were shown" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound less direct. Consider if an active voice construction like "someone showed us" would be more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were shown" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group of people (represented by "we") were the recipients of an action (being shown something). It is a common way to describe being presented with information or a demonstration, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were shown" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that describes a group of people being presented with something. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to personal anecdotes. It is particularly common in news and media, travel writing, and formal business communications. While generally neutral in register, writers should consider whether an active voice construction might be more impactful in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was demonstrated to us

Changes the subject-verb structure and uses a more formal verb, "demonstrated", implying a planned showing.

it was revealed to us

Highlights the act of uncovering or disclosing something previously unknown, using "revealed".

we had the opportunity to view

Emphasizes the chance or privilege of seeing something, using "view" as a more neutral verb.

we were introduced to

Suggests a formal introduction to a concept, place, or person.

we were given a presentation

Suggests a formal delivery of information, often with visual aids, using "presentation".

we observed

Implies careful and systematic watching, using "observed" for a more analytical viewpoint.

we got to see

Employs a more casual tone, focusing on the experience of seeing something.

we were exposed to

Indicates that something was brought to our attention or experience, often passively, using "exposed".

we witnessed

Implies that something was seen directly, often something significant or unexpected, using "witnessed".

we had sight of

A more formal and slightly archaic way of saying we saw something.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were shown" to describe a situation where something was presented or demonstrated to a group. For example, "We were shown the new product during the presentation."

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

You can use alternatives like "it was demonstrated to us", "we got to see", or "it was revealed to us" depending on the context.

Is "we were shown" formal or informal?

"We were shown" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

What's the difference between "we were shown" and "we saw"?

"We were shown" implies that someone or something presented information to you. "We saw" is a more general statement indicating that you visually perceived something, without necessarily implying a presentation. For example, "we witnessed" indicates that something was seen directly and often unexpected.