we were urged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were urged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone encouraged or strongly recommended a course of action to a group of people. Example: "During the meeting, we were urged to consider alternative solutions to the problem at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

We were urged to just get better and better".

The New York Times - Sports

We were urged to keep out of its way and await further test results.

The New Yorker

We were urged to remain calm, to stay inside, to await further instructions.

The New Yorker

We were urged to unite, yet the state continued to fund faith schools.

The New Yorker

I can remember, after another attack in another war, we were urged to conserve, share and cherish.

The New York Times

We put a large part of our money into the stock market, as we were urged to do.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

In 2014, we were urging Obama and the U.N. to do something.

The Washington Post

"We were urging people to come downtown and support and protest this injustice".

The New York Times

"We were urging the EU to do something similar," he said.

Vice

We are urged to make noise.

The New York Times

We are urged to do two things.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for active voice alternatives like "they urged us" when the source of encouragement needs emphasis or when aiming for a more direct and engaging tone.

Common error

While "we were urged" is grammatically correct, relying too heavily on passive voice can make your writing sound weak and impersonal. Vary your sentence structure by using active voice when appropriate to create a more dynamic and engaging narrative. E.g. Instead of "we were urged to buy tickets" try "They urged us to buy tickets."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were urged" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (we) received encouragement or a strong recommendation to perform a certain action. The emphasis is on the action rather than the actor. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were urged" is a commonly used passive construction that indicates strong encouragement or a recommendation. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, academia, and science. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of overusing the passive voice and to consider active alternatives like "they urged us" when appropriate. Remember to use "we were urged" when the source of the recommendation or encouraging is less important than the action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were advised

Focuses more on giving counsel or information, whereas "urged" implies a stronger push or encouragement.

we were encouraged

Highlights a positive influence and support, differing from "urged" which can imply necessity or pressure.

we were prompted

Suggests an instigation or cue to action, whereas "urged" denotes a more forceful recommendation.

we were exhorted

"Exhorted" is a more formal and intense version of "urged", implying earnest advice or warning.

we were pressed

Indicates a degree of insistence or persuasion, implying a subtle form of pressure.

we were impelled

"Impelled" suggests a strong internal drive or moral imperative, while "urged" implies external influence.

we were entreated

"Entreated" indicates a polite and sincere request, showing deference, contrasting with "urged's" firmer recommendation.

we were solicited

"Solicited" suggests that someone actively sought our input or participation.

it was recommended to us

Shifts the focus to the recommendation itself rather than the act of urging, providing a more indirect tone.

we received a call to action

Implies a more formal or organized prompting, such as from a campaign or movement.

FAQs

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

Use "we were urged" to indicate that you and others received strong encouragement or a recommendation to take a specific action. For example, "We were urged to consider all options before making a decision."

What phrases are similar to "we were urged"?

Alternatives to "we were urged" include "we were advised", "we were encouraged", or "it was recommended to us" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it better to use "we were urged" or "they urged us"?

The choice depends on the context. "We were urged" is passive and emphasizes the action, while "they urged us" is active and emphasizes who did the urging. Use "they urged us" when the source of the urging is important.

What is the difference between "we were urged" and "we were required"?

"We were urged" implies a strong recommendation or encouragement, while "we were required" indicates a mandatory obligation. "We were required" suggests a rule or necessity, whereas "we were urged" suggests persuasion or advice.