we were tasked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we were tasked' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that something has been given to someone and they are expected to complete the task. For example, "We were tasked with organizing the company fundraiser and managed to exceed our fundraising goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

For one assignment, we were tasked with introducing a work of electronic literature to the class.

University of California, Berkeley

"Sometimes our church leaders forget, we were tasked to do these things by the church.

The New York Times

Anyway, after some difficulty parking, we were tasked with blowing open the front door of the house.

The New Yorker

Asked to be mindful of the district's (sometimes competing) priorities, we were tasked with interpreting the information we had, making recommendations, and explaining our reasoning.

Harvard University

We were tasked with answering the question: can we use low cost devices and virtual reality environments to train athletes in new and exciting ways?

Cornell University

"We were tasked to kill criminals every day," Mr. Matobato said Thursday at a televised Senate hearing investigating extrajudicial killings under Mr. Duterte in Davao City.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

We are tasked with defining and enforcing these laws.

The New York Times

We're tasked with planning and completing projects together.

Harvard Business Review

We are tasked with breaking that mould and replacing it with something new and positive".

The Guardian

Yet at the same time, we are tasked with protecting the health and safety of our kids.

The Washington Post

But then, as Deans says: "That's what we are tasked to do, clear the track, find a way through, find a way to succeed".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone you want to convey. "We were tasked" implies a formal assignment, so use it when a neutral or serious tone is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly specifying who assigned the task. Vague statements like "we were tasked..." without context can weaken the message. Always provide context about where and why this statement is being presented.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were tasked" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (we) received an assignment or responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

36%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were tasked" is a common and grammatically correct passive voice construction used to indicate that a group has been assigned a specific duty or responsibility. As Ludwig AI validates, it’s frequently used across diverse contexts, including academia, news media, and science, maintaining a neutral to professional tone. When using the phrase, clarity is key: clearly specify who assigned the task to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "we were assigned", "we were given the task of", or "we were charged with" can be used to provide slight variations in meaning and emphasis. Understanding these nuances helps ensure effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were assigned

Implies a more direct allocation of responsibility.

we were given the task of

More explicitly states the nature of the assignment.

we were charged with

Suggests a formal responsibility or duty.

we were entrusted with

Highlights the element of trust and confidence placed in the group.

it was our responsibility to

Shifts the focus to the inherent obligation.

we had the duty to

Similar to "it was our responsibility to", but emphasizes a formal or moral imperative.

we were appointed to

Indicates an official designation or selection for a specific purpose.

we were commissioned to

Suggests a formal request or authorization to carry out a task, often for a client or higher authority.

we were delegated to

Implies that the task was passed down from a superior.

we were directed to

Emphasizes the aspect of instruction or command.

FAQs

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

The phrase "we were tasked" indicates that a group was given a specific duty or assignment. For example, "We were tasked with improving the project's efficiency."

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

You can use alternatives like "we were assigned", "we were given the task of", or "we were charged with" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing tasks?

Using the passive voice ("we were tasked") emphasizes the task itself and the group responsible. The active voice ("they tasked us") emphasizes the assigner. The best choice depends on the intended focus.

What is the difference between "we were tasked" and "we are tasked"?

"We were tasked" refers to a task assigned in the past, while "we are tasked" refers to a task that is currently assigned or ongoing. The choice depends on the timeframe you are describing.