we were tickled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were tickled" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to express amusement or delight about something, typically in a lighthearted context. Example: "When we heard the news about the surprise party, we were tickled and couldn't stop smiling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"We were tickled pink," she said.

The New York Times - Travel

Of course, we were tickled that so many college students liked the show.

The New Yorker

In fact, on that night of all nights, we were tickled to death to be guests of a D.C. cop.

The New Yorker

And when we cracked up at a Jerry Springer-style audience's naivety, we were tickled by their naivety, not righteously affronted by their opinions.

The Guardian - Film

We were "tickled pink" by his sense of political humour and, certainly, it was a hilarious bit of play-acting with a sting at the end.

The Guardian

We were tickled pink in the purple sludge.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In a playful style, the instructor told us to wiggle our fingers like we were "tickling the sun" and stretch our arms like we were "making room for wings to break out". As light streamed into the ballroom, she ended class by telling us to remember, "You are not only enough, you are almost too much sauce for your own cup". Thank you, Pittsburgh.

The Washington Post

We were tickling and rolling in the leaves and one of the boys tickled me and said, "Daddy's belly is hard and yours is squishy".

Huffington Post

"We're tickled to be listed.

The New York Times - Tech

"We're tickled pink," Flanagan said.

The New York Times - Sports

"And we're tickled to death".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were tickled" to express lighthearted amusement or pleasure. It adds a touch of whimsy to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "we were tickled" in overly formal or serious writing. It's best suited for lighthearted or informal contexts. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "we were pleased" or "we were delighted" in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

We were tickled functions as a statement expressing amusement or pleasure experienced by a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound. The phrase indicates a positive emotional response to something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were tickled" is a phrase used to express amusement or delight, typically in lighthearted contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and is most commonly found in news and media sources. While it is appropriate for informal use, more formal alternatives like "we were delighted" or "we were pleased" may be better suited for professional settings. Keep in mind that "we were tickled pink" is an intensified version of the phrase, expressing even greater delight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were tickled pink

An intensified version expressing great delight or amusement.

we were delighted

Indicates a higher degree of pleasure and satisfaction.

we were thrilled

Expresses a stronger sense of excitement and joy.

we were amused

Focuses on mild enjoyment; less intense than "tickled".

we were pleased

Suggests contentment and satisfaction with a situation.

we found it amusing

Expresses finding something funny or entertaining.

we were charmed

Implies being captivated or enchanted by something.

we were gratified

Highlights a feeling of satisfaction from a fulfilled desire.

we relished it

Conveys a sense of great enjoyment and appreciation.

we were captivated

Emphasizes being completely engrossed or fascinated.

FAQs

What does "we were tickled" mean?

The phrase "we were tickled" means that a group of people were amused or delighted by something. It expresses a feeling of lighthearted pleasure.

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

It's appropriate in informal or lighthearted contexts to convey amusement or delight. However, it may not be suitable for formal or serious writing, where more neutral alternatives might be preferable.

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

You can use alternatives like "we were amused", "we were delighted", or "we were pleased" depending on the context.

Is "we were tickled pink" the same as "we were tickled"?

No, "we were tickled pink" is an intensified version of "we were tickled". It expresses a much stronger sense of delight or amusement.