we were touched by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were touched by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express emotional impact or sensitivity to a situation, event, or gesture. Example: "We were touched by the kindness shown to us during our difficult times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

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

We were touched by the combination of intelligence, humanity and warmth that the Fellows and Alumni of the KSAL program possessed.

Huffington Post

The valley shrine of Lailish had been a place of calming meditation, serenity and contemplation and we were touched by how welcoming and eager to interact with outsiders the Yazidi worshippers had been.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

We are touched by your embrace.

The New York Times

"We are touched by the support we are getting, but we know we are in the last chance saloon now".

The Guardian - Sport

"We are touched by the passion of the young Wall Street analysts who conduct this annual campaign," Mr. Rosenthal said.

The New York Times

We are touched by this, especially as he wants a referendum to undo the union and to make Scotland a foreign country to us.

The Economist

The statement included these words: "In the wake of this tragedy, we are touched by the overwhelming outpouring of love from people all over the world.

The New York Times

We are touched by the beauty that surrounds us and are in better spirits, even with the inconveniences that it invariably causes.

Huffington Post

Every day, we are touched by examples of this truth, whether it be Jeff Bezos testing out his new Delivery Drones or the "next-generation explosives" currently being developed by al-Qaida, now threatening families' holiday travel.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were touched by" to express a genuine emotional response to an act of kindness, generosity, or a moving experience.

Common error

Avoid using "we were touched by" in highly formal or business communications where a more neutral or professional tone is preferred. Consider alternatives like "we appreciate" or "we acknowledge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were touched by" functions as an expression of gratitude or emotional impact. It indicates that a group (represented by "we") has been positively affected by something, evoking feelings of appreciation or sensitivity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were touched by" is a grammatically sound and emotionally resonant expression used to convey feelings of gratitude, appreciation, or emotional impact. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that this phrase is relatively rare, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts. While appropriate for general use, it might be too informal for highly formal business communications. Alternatives like ""we were moved by"" or ""we were affected by"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to express. Remember to use "we were touched by" to express genuine emotional reactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were moved by

Replaces "touched" with "moved", indicating a stronger emotional response.

we were affected by

Uses "affected" to show the impact of something on the group.

we were impressed by

Indicates admiration or respect caused by something.

we were influenced by

Highlights the power of something to change opinions or actions.

we were inspired by

Suggests something sparked creativity or motivation.

we were struck by

Emphasizes the sudden or forceful impact of something.

we were heartened by

Indicates an increase in hope and cheerfulness.

we were gladdened by

Implies a feeling of happiness or joy.

we were cheered by

Highlights a feeling of upliftment and encouragement.

we were warmed by

Suggests a feeling of comfort and affection.

FAQs

What does "we were touched by" mean?

The phrase "we were touched by" expresses a feeling of gratitude, appreciation, or emotional impact in response to something positive, such as an act of kindness or a thoughtful gesture.

What can I say instead of "we were touched by"?

You can use alternatives like "we were moved by", "we were affected by", or "we were impressed by" depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "we were touched by" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, using "we were touched by" in formal writing depends on the context. For very formal or business communications, consider more neutral options such as "we appreciate" or "we acknowledge".

How does "we were touched by" differ from "we were impressed by"?

"We were touched by" typically implies a more emotional or heartfelt reaction, often related to kindness or compassion. "We were impressed by", on the other hand, suggests admiration or respect for someone's skills, achievements, or qualities.