we were uneasy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were uneasy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of discomfort or anxiety about a situation or event. Example: "As the storm approached, we were uneasy about the potential damage it could cause to our home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We were uneasy about online submission," said Cao O, the executive director of the Asian American Federation of New York, which was awarded a $100,000 Verizon grant.

The New York Times

But I came to recognize something I'd missed during both my early infatuation and my later disaffection: no matter how much I tried to resist my identification with Baldwin, we were uneasy members of the same tribe.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We are uneasy with such omniscience.

The New Yorker

Still, we are uneasy about the timing and the terms.

The New York Times

We are uneasy with Messi's attitude and his attire.

The Guardian - Sport

While we are uneasy about Mr Corbyn's reflex anti-Americanism, if he makes Mr Cameron more cautious about military action, that would be no bad thing.

Independent

We're uneasy around each other, and though the concert covers the worst of the uncomfortable feeling, when he comes home with me I'm consumed with anxiety.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We're uneasy about mathematical modeling that we don't understand juxtaposed to philological modeling that we do understand," Brian D. Joseph, a linguist at Ohio State University, said about the Indo-European tree.

The New York Times - Science

In declarative remembering, we seek to track the truth: this is why we are uneasy or dismayed when our take on the past is challenged or overturned (Poole 2008).

SEP

And yes, we are uneasy.

Huffington Post

"… We are uneasy with such omniscience.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were uneasy" to convey a mild sense of discomfort or anxiety. It's suitable when the situation doesn't warrant stronger emotions like fear or dread.

Common error

While "we were uneasy" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in formal writing. In professional or academic settings, consider stronger alternatives like "we were concerned" or "we had reservations" for a more impactful expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were uneasy" functions as a descriptive statement expressing a shared feeling of discomfort or mild anxiety. Ludwig shows examples where it describes reactions to situations like online submissions or general uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were uneasy" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey a mild sense of discomfort or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. While not extremely common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, primarily within news and media contexts. When writing, remember that while appropriate for general use, stronger alternatives might be preferable in formal or professional settings to convey a more impactful message. Consider alternatives such as "we felt apprehensive" or "we were concerned" for different nuances of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we felt apprehensive

Focuses more on anticipating potential negative outcomes, implying a sense of foreboding.

we felt anxious

Highlights a state of worry and nervousness, emphasizing the internal emotional state.

we were apprehensive

Similar to feeling apprehensive, emphasizing a sense of dread or anticipation of something negative.

we felt uncomfortable

Emphasizes a lack of ease or a physical/emotional discomfort in the situation.

we were concerned

Indicates a sense of worry and care about a particular issue or situation.

we were worried

Directly expresses a state of anxiety and preoccupation with potential problems.

we had misgivings

Suggests doubts or reservations about something, indicating a lack of full confidence.

we were disturbed

Implies a disruption of peace of mind, highlighting the unsettling nature of the situation.

we were unsettled

Suggests a lack of stability or peace, emphasizing the disruptive impact of the situation.

we had reservations

Expresses a feeling of doubt or disagreement, indicating a reluctance to fully accept something.

FAQs

What does "we were uneasy" mean?

The phrase "we were uneasy" expresses a feeling of mild discomfort, anxiety, or apprehension about something. It suggests a lack of ease or peace of mind in a particular situation.

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

You can use "we were uneasy" to describe a shared feeling of discomfort or concern. For example, "we were uneasy about the proposed changes to the policy".

What are some alternatives to "we were uneasy"?

Alternatives to "we were uneasy" include "we felt apprehensive", "we felt anxious", or "we were concerned" depending on the context.

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

While grammatically correct, "we were uneasy" might be perceived as too mild in some formal contexts. Consider stronger alternatives like "we had reservations" or "we were doubtful" for a more impactful expression.