we were warned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were warned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a prior notification or caution given to a group or individual about a potential issue or danger. Example: "Despite the fact that we were warned about the storm, many people still chose to go out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We were warned, many times.

The New York Times

We were warned not to smoke.

The New York Times

We were warned it would be tough.

The Guardian - Travel

Even Wurst sang that we "were warned".

The Guardian - Opinion

We were warned of two potentially disastrous complications.

The New York Times - Health

We were warned about spiders, and the occasional famine.

The New Yorker

Portions are small, but we were warned about that.

The Guardian - Travel

This was the wolf we were warned about.

The Guardian

We were warned about bad boys and, later, bad girls.

The New Yorker

We were warned to get to lower altitudes quickly.

The New York Times - Travel

We were warned against it, especially by war-zone regulars.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance your writing, vary your sentence structure by placing "we were warned" at the beginning, middle, or end of the sentence to avoid monotony. For example: "We were warned, however, that the path was treacherous."

Common error

Avoid mixing tenses when using "we were warned". Ensure that the subsequent actions or events are consistent with the past tense to maintain clarity. For example, instead of "We were warned about the dangers, but we ignore it," use "We were warned about the dangers, but we ignored it."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were warned" functions as a declarative statement indicating that a group or individual received a prior notification or caution. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The phrase serves to inform the audience of a past warning, often implying subsequent events occurred despite the warning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were warned" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate that a prior notification or caution was received. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a versatile expression suitable for various writing styles, though primarily found in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, ensure consistent tense usage and consider alternative phrasings like "we had been cautioned" or "we received a warning" to enhance clarity and avoid monotony. Remember to use "we were warned" to add context and emphasize prior knowledge of potential issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were forewarned

Stresses the element of advance warning before an event.

we had been cautioned

Emphasizes the act of being advised against something, more formal.

we received a warning

Highlights the reception of a warning, focusing on the message itself.

we were alerted

Suggests a notification of potential danger or a problem.

we were told to expect

Emphasizes the expectation of a future event or situation.

we were given notice

Implies a formal announcement or heads-up about something.

we were advised

General term for receiving guidance or recommendations.

we knew what was coming

Focuses on awareness and anticipation of an event.

the signs were there

Highlights that there were indications of an impending event.

we anticipated this outcome

Highlights the element of anticipation of a known outcome.

FAQs

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

"We were warned" is typically used to indicate that a caution or notification was given before a specific event or situation. For example, "We were warned about the heavy traffic, so we left early."

What can I say instead of "we were warned"?

Alternatives include "we had been cautioned", "we received a warning", or "we were alerted", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "we were warned" and "we were advised"?

"We were warned" implies a caution about potential danger or negative consequences, while "we were advised" suggests guidance or recommendations. For example, "We were warned about the icy roads," versus "We were advised to take the scenic route."

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

Yes, "we were warned" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when conveying important information about potential risks or prior knowledge. However, consider alternatives like "we were cautioned" for a more formal tone.