Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
we were worked
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The sentence 'we were worked' is not correct or usable in written English.
To make it correct, you would have to add a verb after 'were'. For example: We were worked hard all day.
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
we worked hard
we were overworked
we were exploited
we were manipulated
we were used
we were issued
we were working
we were walking
we were concentrated
we were worried
we were been
we were busy
we were collaborating
we were assisted
we were served
we were dealt
we were loaded
we were anxious
we had our hands full
we were responsible
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
Ladies and gentlemen: we were worked.
News & Media
In order to compare the Malat1 expression status in target tissues that we were worked on, we showed the expression abundances of Malat1 RNA in 7 target tissues from 12 primate species based on the datasets of Illumina BodyMap 2 for expression analysis of human Malat1 and NHPRTR for expression analysis of other primates Malat1 (Fig. 2).
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
We were working frantically".
News & Media
We were working for them".
News & Media
"We were working in harmony".
News & Media
We were working people.
News & Media
"We were working at six regional banks.
News & Media
In a way, we were working".
News & Media
"We were working with very low cost.
News & Media
The Spaniard added: "We were working hard.
News & Media
"Because we were working," Rock said.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the passive voice construction "we were worked". Instead, opt for active voice or alternative phrases like "we worked hard" or "we were overworked" for clarity and grammatical correctness.
Common error
Don't use "we were worked" thinking it's a passive form. This construction is grammatically incorrect. The correct passive form requires a more complete verb phrase, such as "we were made to work".
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
1.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "we were worked" attempts to use a passive construction, but it is grammatically incomplete and incorrect. As Ludwig AI indicates, it requires an additional element to be grammatically correct. The examples show rare instances of its use, but do not validate its correctness.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
50%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "we were worked" is grammatically incorrect and not recommended for use in standard English. While Ludwig AI provides some examples of its appearance in sources like news articles and scientific papers, these instances are likely errors or unconventional phrasing. It's better to use grammatically correct alternatives such as "we worked hard", "we were overworked", or other phrases that clearly convey the intended meaning without violating grammatical rules. Pay close attention to sentence structure and verb usage to ensure clarity and correctness in your writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
we were overworked
This indicates being given too much work to handle.
we were driven hard
This conveys being pushed to work intensely.
we were exploited
This alternative suggests unfair or unethical use of someone's labor.
we were manipulated
This implies being controlled or influenced deceptively to perform work.
we were toiled
This suggests a strenuous effort being done.
we were used
This implies being utilized, sometimes negatively, for a specific purpose or task.
we were laboring
This implies working hard or exerting effort.
we were made to work
This expresses that someone was forced to do something against their will
we worked
This short form is grammatically correct, although more ambiguous in context.
we put in work
Suggests effort was exerted by a team or group
FAQs
Is "we were worked" grammatically correct?
No, "we were worked" is not grammatically correct in standard English. It's missing a component needed to complete the passive construction. Consider alternatives like "we worked hard" or "we were overworked".
What can I say instead of "we were worked"?
Depending on the intended meaning, you can use phrases like "we worked hard", "we were overworked", "we were exploited", or "we were manipulated".
What's the difference between "we were worked" and "we were working"?
"We were worked" is grammatically incorrect and not commonly used. "We were working" is grammatically correct and indicates that we were in the process of doing work.
How to use "we worked hard" in a sentence?
You can use "we worked hard" in a sentence like, "We worked hard to meet the deadline", or "Despite the challenges, we worked hard and achieved our goals".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
1.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested