we were wary of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were wary of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing caution or concern about a particular situation, person, or thing. Example: "We were wary of the new policy changes, fearing they might negatively impact our workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

We were wary of this.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We were wary of what Hollywood might do to this tale," Bradlee concedes.

Independent

Palls of smoke could be seen over Soweto, but communication was compromised, roads in and out had been blocked and we were wary of reports from police".

The Guardian

"We were wary of bringing a production company in here 24 hours a day," said Claire Palermo Flower, the hospital's senior vice president for strategic marketing and development.

The New York Times

We were wary of some empty lots between the building and the landmark, but were told it would be years before anything started.

The New York Times

At the same time, we were wary of the risk of giving visibility to one figure in particular, in a collaborative moment, and appearing to minimize others in the process.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

We're wary of Alex Smith, Matt Ryan, DeMarco Murray and Vernon Davis.

The New York Times

We are wary of them.

The Guardian - Tech

And we are wary of emperors.

The Guardian - Travel

Shouldn't we be wary of condemning a church of roughly 1 billion believers?

The New York Times

Perhaps we are wary of the incongruity in giving these private women a very public voice.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were wary of", clearly state the reason for your wariness to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "We were wary of the proposed changes because they lacked specific details."

Common error

Avoid using "we were wary of" as a vague statement without explaining why. Always provide a specific reason or context to support your wariness, making your statement more credible and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were wary of" functions as a statement of caution or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It expresses a feeling of unease or distrust towards something, indicating a careful or hesitant approach.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were wary of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express caution, apprehension, or distrust towards something. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct usage and this analysis highlights its common presence in news, media, scientific, and academic contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to provide context and clarity when using the phrase, specifying the reasons for the wariness. Alternatives like "we were cautious about", "we were apprehensive of", and "we were concerned about" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Ultimately, understanding the subtleties of this phrase and its alternatives ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were cautious about

Replaces "wary" with "cautious", indicating carefulness in approaching something.

we were apprehensive of

Substitutes "wary" with "apprehensive", suggesting a feeling of anxiety or unease.

we were concerned about

Replaces "wary" with "concerned", highlighting worry about potential negative outcomes.

we were leery of

Uses "leery" instead of "wary", conveying suspicion or distrust.

we were suspicious of

Focuses on doubt and lack of trust, replacing "wary" with "suspicious".

we had reservations about

Indicates uncertainty or doubt, using "had reservations" instead of "were wary".

we were skeptical of

Emphasizes doubt and questioning, replacing "wary" with "skeptical".

we approached with caution

Shifts the structure to focus on the action of approaching something carefully.

we were hesitant about

Highlights reluctance or unwillingness, replacing "wary" with "hesitant".

we were circumspect about

Indicates prudence and careful consideration, using "circumspect" instead of "wary".

FAQs

What does "we were wary of" mean?

The phrase "we were wary of" means that a group felt cautious, uneasy, or distrustful about something. It suggests a degree of apprehension or suspicion towards a particular situation, person, or object.

How can I use "we were wary of" in a sentence?

You can use "we were wary of" to express caution or concern. For example, "We were wary of the new policy changes" or "We were wary of the stranger's intentions."

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

You can use alternatives like "we were cautious about", "we were apprehensive of", or "we were concerned about" to express similar ideas.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we were wary of"?

Yes, "we were wary of" is grammatically correct. It uses the past tense of the verb "to be" with the adjective "wary" and the preposition "of" to indicate caution or concern about something.