we were touched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were touched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone was emotionally affected or moved by a situation or event. Example: "After hearing the heartfelt speech, we were touched by the speaker's sincerity and passion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

We were touched.

Independent

We were touched to say the least.

The New York Times

As a fellow-mumbler, we were touched in the right spot.

The New Yorker

We were touched and gratified to see so many people in attendance at his funeral on Sunday, March 25.

The New York Times

We were touched by them every night, and wanted to get their message out there: loud guitar music is still alive and still connects people".

The Guardian - Music

"We were touched by her generosity, but this is definitely a no-no for a group like ours to protect the integrity of the awards," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

We were touching.

The New Yorker

We were touching each other in new ways.

The Guardian - Business

"We were touching Rami Makhlouf but not naming him," Mr. Nakhle said.

The New York Times

Did it really bother this man that much that we were touching legs on the train?

Huffington Post

I was a wild child and then I realized we were touching people.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were touched" to express genuine emotional appreciation or gratitude for a kind gesture or meaningful experience. It conveys a sense of warmth and sincerity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were touched" too frequently, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "we were moved" or "we felt grateful" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were touched" primarily functions as an expression of emotion, indicating that a group of people (represented by "we") experienced a feeling of appreciation, gratitude, or emotional impact due to something they witnessed or experienced. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were touched" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys a sense of emotional impact or gratitude. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, it can also be appropriate in formal and informal settings. To avoid overuse, consider using synonyms such as "we were moved" or "we felt grateful" to maintain variety in your writing. Overall, this phrase serves as a powerful way to express sincerity and appreciation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were moved

A more concise alternative to express being emotionally affected.

we felt moved

Focuses on the feeling of being emotionally affected.

we were affected

A broader term indicating influence or impact.

we were heartened

Emphasizes a feeling of encouragement and upliftment.

we were gladdened

Highlights the feeling of joy and happiness.

we felt grateful

Highlights the feeling of thankfulness.

we were thankful

Similar to 'grateful', emphasizing appreciation.

we appreciated

Focuses on acknowledging and valuing something.

we were pleased

A more subdued way of expressing satisfaction and contentment.

we were impressed

Indicates admiration and respect.

FAQs

What does "we were touched" mean?

The phrase "we were touched" signifies that you and others experienced a feeling of gratitude, appreciation, or emotional connection due to something that happened or someone's actions.

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

You can use "we were touched" to express your emotional response to a kind gesture, a heartfelt message, or a moving experience. For example, "We were touched by the outpouring of support from the community after the event".

What are some alternatives to "we were touched"?

You can use alternatives like "we were moved", "we felt grateful", or "we were heartened" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "we are touched" instead of "we were touched"?

Both are correct, but they have different implications. "We were touched" refers to a past experience that has already affected you. "We are touched" implies a current or ongoing feeling of appreciation or gratitude.