we were used to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were used to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to talk about something that was a regular part of your routine or experience in the past. For example, "We were used to having a swim at the beach every weekend before the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We were used to us all trying to sink each other but not to resorting to suicide to do it.

Huffington Post

We were used to it".

The New York Times - Health

And besides, we were used to it.

The New York Times

"We were used to him.

The New York Times

We were used to obeying orders.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We were used to long proposals.

The New York Times

It wasn't what we were used to.

The Guardian - Arts

We were used to coming in to the studio prepared.

The Guardian

We were used to speaking with our own kind.

The Guardian - Music

We were used to a certain life style.

The New Yorker

We were used to upheavals and saying goodbye.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing past routines or states, use "we were used to" to clearly indicate that something was a normal or familiar part of your experience. For example, "We were used to waking up early for school."

Common error

Avoid omitting the 'd' in "used to". "Use to" is grammatically incorrect when referring to a past habit or state. The correct form is "we were used to", not "we were use to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were used to" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating a state of being accustomed to something. It describes a past condition or experience that was familiar or normal. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were used to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express familiarity or habituation with something in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure you include the 'd' in "used" to avoid grammatical errors. Alternatives like "we had grown accustomed to" or "we were familiar with" can add variety to your writing while maintaining clarity. Keep in mind that "we used to" without the 'were' refers to something that no longer occurs but was a repeated action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were accustomed to

A more formal alternative to "we were used to", indicating a state of being habituated or acquainted with something.

we had grown accustomed to

This alternative suggests a gradual process of becoming familiar with something, emphasizing the development of a habit.

we were familiar with

This option indicates a state of being acquainted with something, suggesting knowledge or understanding of it.

we had become familiar with

This phrase focuses on gaining knowledge or understanding of something through repeated exposure or experience.

we were accustomed to doing

Suggests a level of comfort and ease with a particular action due to repeated practice.

we were no strangers to

This phrase implies that something was not new or unfamiliar to us, suggesting prior experience or knowledge.

we were in the habit of

This alternative emphasizes the habitual nature of an action or behavior, suggesting that it was a regular practice.

we were in the habit of doing

Highlights a repetitive or routine action that was part of one's habits.

it was our normal for

Implies that something was part of the regular or expected circumstances.

we had always known

Indicates a long-standing familiarity or understanding of something since a very long time.

FAQs

What's the difference between "we were used to" and "we used to"?

"We were used to" indicates familiarity or being accustomed to something. "We used to" indicates a past habit or action that is no longer performed. For example, "We were used to the noise" means the noise was familiar, whereas "We used to play" means we played in the past but no longer do.

How can I use "we were used to" in a sentence?

Use "we were used to" to describe a situation or experience that was normal or familiar in the past. For example, "We were used to long commutes" means long commutes were a regular part of our lives.

What are some alternatives to "we were used to"?

You can use alternatives like "we had grown accustomed to", "we were accustomed to", or "we were familiar with" depending on the specific context.

Is "we were use to" grammatically correct?

No, "we were use to" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form when describing past habits or states is "we were used to". The 'd' is essential for conveying the correct meaning.