we were so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong feeling or state of being in relation to something that follows, often conveying a sense of intensity or emphasis. Example: "We were so excited to finally see our favorite band perform live."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

We were so young!

The New York Times

We were so sorry".

The New York Times

We were so insane.

Independent

We were so alone!

The New York Times

We were so naïve.

Independent

We were so happy".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

We're so young.

The New York Times

"We are so glad".

Independent

We are so happy".

The Guardian - Sport

We're so grateful".

The New York Times

We're so close".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were so", ensure the adjective that follows accurately reflects the intensity you wish to convey. Consider synonyms that might provide a more nuanced description.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "so" as an intensifier, as it can sometimes sound informal or lack precision. In formal writing, consider using more specific adjectives or adverbs to convey the intended degree of intensity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we were so" is to act as an intensifier followed by an adjective. It modifies the adjective to express a high degree of a particular quality or state. Ludwig AI shows that examples like "we were so happy" or "we were so scared" exemplify this intensifying function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

8%

HuffPost

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were so" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to emphasize a particular state or feeling. According to Ludwig AI, it serves as an intensifier followed by an adjective, commonly appearing in personal narratives and reflective writing. While its register is generally neutral, it can be more informal depending on the context, making it suitable for a wide range of communication. While it is acceptable, in formal writing it is better to adopt more precise alternatives. Given its frequency and broad applicability, understanding how to effectively use "we were so" can enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were absolutely

Replaces "so" with "absolutely", conveying a sense of completeness or certainty.

we were extremely

Replaces "so" with "extremely", providing a more formal and intense adjective.

we had been very

Shifts the tense slightly and uses "very" instead of "so", offering a simpler alternative.

we were deeply

Uses "deeply" to intensify the feeling or state being described.

we felt incredibly

Focuses on the feeling experienced, replacing "so" with a stronger intensity adjective.

we truly felt

Adds "truly" to emphasize the genuineness of the feeling or state.

we experienced such

Emphasizes the experience itself, using "such" to highlight the degree of the experience.

we became incredibly

Focuses on the change into a certain state, using "incredibly" for emphasis.

we found ourselves

Highlights the resulting state or situation, framing it as something discovered.

we couldn't help but feel

Expresses an involuntary feeling, adding a layer of emotional intensity.

FAQs

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

Use "we were so" to express a strong feeling or state of being in relation to something. For example, "we were so excited" indicates a high level of excitement, while "we were so disappointed" indicates a strong feeling of disappointment.

What are some alternatives to "we were so"?

You can use alternatives like "we felt incredibly", "we were extremely", or "we were deeply" depending on the specific emotion or state you want to emphasize.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we were so"?

Yes, "we were so" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard subject-verb-adverbial pattern in English, where "we" is the subject, "were" is the verb, and "so" intensifies the following adjective.

When is it appropriate to use "we were so" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "we were so" in various contexts, particularly when narrating personal experiences or expressing shared feelings. However, in formal or academic writing, consider using more precise or sophisticated language to convey the same intensity.