we were through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were through" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a relationship or situation has ended or that someone has completed a task or experience. Example: "After months of arguing, we finally realized we were through and decided to part ways."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"Last night tried to get some snooze/Dreamed we was breaking up, we were through," he sings.

The New York Times - Arts

We were through.

The New York Times

We were through with him.

The New Yorker

We were through in a flash.

The Guardian - Travel

I thought we were through with that whole deal".

The New York Times - Sports

We were through this about a week ago".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

We're through.

Independent

"We're through with caviar," he said.

The New Yorker

We're through racing today.

The Guardian - Sport

We're through with that".

The New Yorker

Now, we're through it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were through" to clearly indicate the end of a relationship, project, or phase. Ensure the context makes it clear what has concluded to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were through" when you mean to say something is in progress or ongoing. The phrase distinctly indicates completion or termination, so ensure it reflects the actual state of affairs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were through" functions as a declarative statement indicating the completion or termination of something, most commonly a relationship or task. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were through" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the ending or completion of something. Ludwig confirms its accuracy and widespread use. While it appears most frequently in News & Media, its neutral register allows for broader application. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "we had finished" or ""we were done"", depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were done

A more informal way of saying "we were through", implying a conclusion.

we had finished

Indicates a completed action or task, similar to "we were through" in the context of finishing something.

we were finished with it

Indicates a conclusion or end to a task or situation, but with more emphasis on the task having been completed.

we had ended it

Specifically refers to the termination of a relationship or agreement.

we had parted ways

Specifically indicates the end of a relationship or partnership, often on amicable terms.

we had broken up

Specifically refers to the end of a romantic relationship.

we reached the end

Suggests the completion of a process or journey, similar to reaching the end of a task or relationship.

we concluded it

Implies a formal ending or completion, often used in business or legal contexts.

we brought it to a close

Similar to "we concluded it", suggesting a deliberate act of ending something.

we terminated it

A more formal way of saying "we ended it", often used in contracts or agreements.

FAQs

What does "we were through" mean?

The phrase "we were through" typically means that a relationship, agreement, or task has come to an end or has been completed.

What's a more formal way to say "we were through"?

Alternatives such as "we had finished" or "we terminated it" provide a more formal tone compared to "we were through".

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

It's appropriate when you want to clearly state that something has ended. For instance, you might say, "After a long discussion, we realized "we were done" with the project".

What's the difference between "we were through" and "we got through"?

"We were through" indicates something has ended, while "we got through" implies successfully navigating or surviving a difficult situation.