we were warned that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were warned that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a prior caution or alert given to a group about a specific situation or event. Example: "Before the storm hit, we were warned that it could cause significant damage to our area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

A few years ago, we were warned that the world's helium reserves were running out.

The Guardian

This time round, we were warned that gays, Austrians and fashionistas would be up the wall.

The Guardian - Film

We were warned that this was going to be the case.

The New Yorker

"We were warned that they were sly," said the centre-back Yoann Andreu.

The Guardian - Sport

We were warned that the exam would be a "wake-up call" to help us identify and address weaknesses before we step onto the wards.

Stanford University

We were warned that talking to co-workers could also result in the acquisition of a point.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

At the same time, we are warned that the construction of Europe must not stop there.

Columbia University

We're warned that our beloved NHS faces a winter meltdown this year.

The Guardian

Now, we're warned that within five years North Korea could have an arsenal of 100 nuclear bombs.

The Washington Post

We are warned that it is naïve to confuse author and character, even when — especially when — that character is also a novelist.

The New Yorker

We are warned that if we use the spells from the books, or the real house names, "a man in a suit will appear and drag you away".

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were warned that" to introduce a specific piece of information that served as a caution or heads-up. Clearly state the source of the warning if possible to add credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "we were warned that" if you cannot accurately identify who issued the warning. Vague or unsubstantiated warnings can undermine your message's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were warned that" functions as an introductory clause that sets the stage for a piece of information that serves as a caution or forewarning. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, this phrase introduces a statement indicating a previously communicated potential risk or problem.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

21%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were warned that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce information received as a warning or caution. As Ludwig AI underlines, the phrase is grammatically correct. The phrase's function is to alert the audience to something they were previously notified about, highlighting possible negative outcomes, with a generally neutral tone that adapts to different contexts. It is commonly seen across diverse publications such as "The Guardian", "The New York Times" and "The Washington Post", establishing its ubiquitous presence in contemporary writing. When using "we were warned that", ensure clarity by attributing the warning to a specific source and avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "we were advised that" can be used in different contexts to alter the formality and directness of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we had been cautioned that

Uses 'cautioned' instead of 'warned', implying a slightly more gentle warning.

we received a warning that

Emphasizes the act of receiving a warning, rather than the state of being warned.

we were advised that

Suggests a more formal or professional context of the warning.

it was brought to our attention that

A more indirect way of saying someone informed you of a potential problem.

we were alerted to the fact that

Highlights that you were made aware of a specific fact, often a negative one.

we were put on notice that

Indicates a formal warning or notification, often with legal implications.

we were foreshadowed that

Uses 'foreshadowed' which is an event that acts as a warning or sign of a future event.

we knew beforehand that

Focuses on prior knowledge rather than the act of being warned.

we were pre-informed that

Using 'pre-informed' emphasizes the warning was given in advance.

we anticipated that

Highlights expectation based on previous knowledge.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we were warned that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we were advised that" or "we were informed that". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a heightened level of formality.

What's a less direct way to say "we were warned that"?

You could use "it was brought to our attention that" or "we were alerted to the fact that". These options are less assertive and focus on the reception of information.

Is it always necessary to include "that" after "we were warned"?

While grammatically correct, omitting "that" after "we were warned" is common, especially in informal contexts. However, including "that" often enhances clarity, particularly in more complex sentences.

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

"We were warned that" implies a potential danger or negative outcome, whereas "we were notified that" simply means we received official information. A notification isn't necessarily a warning.