we were very happy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were very happy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a past state of joy or contentment experienced by a group of people. Example: "After receiving the good news about our project approval, we were very happy and celebrated together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We were very happy then.

The New York Times

We were very happy there".

The New York Times

We were very happy together.

The New York Times

We were very happy," June told me.

The New Yorker

We were very happy working there".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We were very happy," she recalled.

The New York Times

We were very happy for her".

The New York Times

"We were very happy about that".

The Guardian

We were very happy with the results we got.

Cornell University

We were very happy about that for a while.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We're very happy".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were very happy" to clearly and directly express a past state of collective happiness or satisfaction. Ensure the context provides clarity on the reason for the happiness.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessive use of "very" can weaken your writing. Consider stronger synonyms like "ecstatic", "delighted", or "overjoyed" for a more impactful expression of happiness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were very happy" functions as a declarative statement, expressing a past emotional state. Ludwig AI indicates its common usage in various contexts. The phrase is straightforward and easily understood, serving to convey a sense of joy or contentment experienced by a group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were very happy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing past contentment or joy, Ludwig AI confirms. It is versatile across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic settings. While effective, over-reliance on "very" can be avoided by using stronger synonyms for a more impactful expression. Consider alternatives like "we felt great joy" or "we were overjoyed" to add nuance and avoid repetitiveness. Overall, this phrase serves as a clear and direct way to communicate a past positive emotional state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were completely content

Focuses on the feeling of contentment, suggesting a peaceful and satisfied happiness.

we felt great joy

Replaces "very happy" with a more intense expression of joy, emphasizing the emotional feeling.

we were overjoyed

Employs a single word to convey extreme happiness, simplifying the original phrase.

we experienced immense happiness

Substitutes "were very happy" with a more formal and emphatic declaration of happiness.

we were filled with delight

Uses "delight" instead of "happy" to suggest a lighter, more playful sense of joy.

we were in high spirits

Indicates happiness through an idiomatic expression referring to a cheerful mood.

we were pleased beyond measure

Replaces "very happy" with a more exaggerated expression of satisfaction and happiness.

we reveled in happiness

Presents happiness as an active enjoyment, suggesting a prolonged state of joy.

we cherished the moment

Shifts the focus to the appreciation of a specific moment, implying happiness derived from it.

we found ourselves in a state of bliss

Describes happiness as a state of perfect contentment and joy, more intense than simple happiness.

FAQs

How can I use "we were very happy" in a sentence?

You can use "we were very happy" to describe a past state of joy or contentment experienced by a group. For example, "After winning the championship, "we were very happy" and celebrated our victory."

What can I say instead of "we were very happy"?

Alternatives include "we felt great joy", "we were overjoyed", or "we were completely content", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "we were very happy", or is there a better way to express this?

Saying "we were very happy" is perfectly correct and commonly used. However, for more impact, consider using a stronger adjective like "delighted" or "ecstatic".

What's the difference between "we were very happy" and "we were happy"?

"We were happy" expresses a general state of happiness. Adding "very" intensifies the emotion, indicating a greater degree of joy. However, relying on "very" too often can weaken your writing, so consider stronger synonyms for "happy" when appropriate.