we were understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group of people successfully communicated their thoughts or feelings and were comprehended by others. Example: "After the meeting, we felt relieved that we were understood by our colleagues regarding the project's challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Nevertheless, it seems clear that we were understood as having made the exact opposite claim, which is why we have addressed the issue in much greater detail in the present article.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

We are strengthened by knowing that we are understood.

Huffington Post

The "We" was understood to mean "We Women", uniting all women in a sisterhood fighting against gender inequality.

Wikipedia

We each communicate in English because we think we'll be understood that way given everyone else communicates that way, and we want to be understood.

SEP

We would like to be understood.

The New York Times

We just want to be understood.

Vice

The first thing we want to do is understand what we have done.

The New York Times

We are poorly understood" (Participant #8).

BMC Health Services Research

Balanchine, we are to understand, was a tortured artist.

The New Yorker

And thusly we were able to understand each other.

The Guardian

You understand: we were happy".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were understood", ensure the context clearly indicates who "we" refers to and who did the understanding. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the communication.

Common error

Avoid assuming "we were understood" automatically implies agreement or acceptance. Understanding doesn't necessarily equate to approval; ensure the context reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were understood" functions as a statement indicating that a group's message, intentions, or feelings were successfully comprehended by others. Ludwig shows it appearing in contexts ranging from personal experiences to formal reports.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were understood" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express that a group's message or intentions were successfully comprehended. According to Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. The phrase carries a neutral tone and can be adapted to both formal and informal communication. Common alternatives include "we were comprehended" and "our message was received". As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were comprehended

Focuses more on the act of fully grasping the meaning, implying a thorough understanding.

we were perceived correctly

Highlights that the impression formed about the group was accurate and in line with their intentions.

our message was received

Emphasizes the successful transmission and acknowledgment of a specific message or communication.

we made ourselves clear

Indicates the group actively ensured their communication was unambiguous and easily understood.

we were on the same wavelength

Suggests a mutual understanding and agreement, often without explicit communication.

we saw eye to eye

Emphasizes agreement and shared perspective on a particular matter.

we were in agreement

Focuses on the consensus and shared opinion among the group members.

our point was taken

Highlights the successful conveyance and acceptance of a specific viewpoint or argument.

they got what we meant

Informal way of saying the intended message was received and understood by the recipient.

we resonated with them

Indicates a connection on an emotional or intellectual level, leading to understanding and empathy.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we were comprehended", "our message was received", or "we made ourselves clear".

What is the difference between "we were understood" and "we were understanding"?

"We were understood" means others comprehended us, while "we were understanding" means we were showing empathy or comprehension towards others. The first focuses on being comprehended, and the second on comprehending.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "we were understood"?

Use "we were understood" when you want to emphasize that your message, intentions, or feelings were successfully communicated and comprehended by others. It's appropriate in both personal and professional contexts, from explaining a project's goal to expressing feelings in a relationship.

What are some common synonyms for "we were understood"?

Common synonyms include "we were comprehended", "our message was received", "we were perceived correctly", and "they got what we meant".