we were spent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were spent" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a group of people or individuals have used up all their energy or resources and are physically or emotionally exhausted. Example: After the long hike through the mountains, we were spent and could barely walk another step.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We lost -- or never found -- our own direction because we were spent.

Huffington Post

When a trip to urgent care one day later confirmed 288 (low) units of beta HCG but no sac in my uterus, and a suspected, albeit non-visible, ectopic pregnancy, we were spent.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"We were spending millions and getting nowhere".

The New Yorker

We were spending and enjoying life," Mr. Vishwanath said.

The New York Times

We were spending way more than we were earning.

The New York Times - Magazine

We were spending about $5 million for the seventh inning.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were spending about $700 a week just on diesel.

The Guardian

"The amount of money we were spending on advertising was extortionate," she said.

Independent

"We were spending our family fortune.

Forbes

"The whole of England spends £6m a year on these patches and we were spending £1m.

BBC

Of the remainder, more (around 35%) said we were spending too much than said we're spending too little (around 10%).

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were spent" to convey a sense of complete exhaustion, either physical or emotional, resulting from a specific event or situation. It implies that all energy or resources have been used up.

Common error

Avoid using "we were spent" when you mean "we spent" (past tense of 'to spend' money or time). The correct phrase for exhaustion is "we were spent", using 'spent' as an adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were spent" functions as a subject complement, describing the state of the subject ("we"). The verb "were" links the subject to the adjective "spent", indicating a condition of extreme exhaustion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were spent" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to express complete exhaustion, as confirmed by Ludwig. Though relatively rare in overall usage, according to Ludwig's examples, it effectively conveys a state of depletion and is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of exhaustion and isn't confused with the verb 'spent' related to time or money.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were exhausted

Replaces "spent" with a more common synonym.

we were drained

Focuses on the loss of energy, similar to being "spent".

we were depleted

Emphasizes the reduction of resources or energy.

we were worn out

Highlights the physical or emotional fatigue.

we were running on empty

An idiomatic expression indicating extreme fatigue and lack of resources.

we had nothing left

Focuses on the complete lack of remaining resources or energy.

we were at the end of our rope

An idiomatic expression signifying the limit of one's endurance or patience.

we were all in

Highlights the total commitment of energy and resources, leading to exhaustion.

we couldn't go on

Emphasizes the inability to continue due to exhaustion or depletion.

we were completely knackered

Uses a British slang term for extreme tiredness.

FAQs

What does the phrase "we were spent" mean?

The phrase "we were spent" means that a group of people has used all of their energy, resources, or strength, leaving them completely exhausted or depleted.

Is it correct to say "we were spent"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "we were spent". It's used to describe a state of extreme exhaustion or depletion. Ludwig AI also confirms this.

What are some alternatives to saying "we were spent"?

Alternatives include "we were exhausted", "we were drained", or "we were worn out", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use "we were spent" to describe a group's condition after a strenuous activity or emotionally draining event, such as: "After the marathon, we were spent and could barely stand".