we were taught

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were taught" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone provided knowledge or instruction to you or a group of people. For example: "We were taught the importance of proper grammar in school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's how we were taught.

The New York Times - Sports

We were taught self-reliance.

The Economist

"It's how we were taught.

The New York Times

We were taught snipers were cowards.

Independent

"We were taught," Mr. Iatrou said, smiling.

The New York Times

"We were taught [that] communism was evil".

The Guardian

We were taught to hate him.

The New York Times - Sports

We were taught a sense of responsibility".

The New York Times

We were taught how to store emotions.

The Guardian - Film

We were taught about built-in obsolescence at school.

The Guardian

We were taught Marxist revolutionary ideas from 1949 to 1978".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were taught" to emphasize the source or method of instruction, rather than simply stating what was learned.

Common error

Avoid using "we were taught" when the actor performing the teaching is irrelevant or unknown. In such cases, a more direct active voice construction might be clearer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were taught" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (we) received instruction or knowledge from an external source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and commonly used expression. The examples show its use in various contexts, from formal education to cultural norms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were taught" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express past learning experiences. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is considered perfectly usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, formal business contexts, and science. While suitable for various registers, its specific formality depends on the surrounding content. To enhance writing, use it to highlight the source or method of instruction, and avoid it when the actor performing the teaching is irrelevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we learned

This alternative is more direct and active, focusing on the acquisition of knowledge rather than the act of instruction.

we received instruction

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of receiving knowledge from an instructor.

we were trained

This alternative suggests a more practical, skill-based learning experience.

it was instilled in us

This alternative implies that the teaching had a lasting impact, shaping beliefs or values.

we were educated

This alternative is broader, referring to a formal education process.

we were shown

This alternative emphasizes demonstration or visual learning.

we were coached

This alternative suggests guidance and support in developing a skill or ability.

we were advised

This alternative implies receiving guidance or recommendations.

we were informed

This alternative simply means we received information, not necessarily instruction.

we were schooled

This alternative is less formal than "we were educated" and can sometimes imply a harsh or corrective learning experience.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we were taught" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "we received instruction" or "we were educated", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "we were taught" in academic writing?

Yes, "we were taught" is perfectly acceptable in academic writing, especially when you want to highlight the pedagogical approach or the influence of particular instructors.

What's the difference between "we were taught" and "we learned"?

"We were taught" emphasizes the act of instruction, whereas "we learned" focuses on the acquisition of knowledge. The former highlights the teacher or method, while the latter highlights the student or result.

Can I use "we were taught" to describe informal learning experiences?

While "we were taught" is often used in formal educational settings, it can also describe informal learning if there was a deliberate act of instruction, such as "we were shown" by a family member or mentor.