we were worn out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were worn out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of extreme tiredness or exhaustion, often after a long day or strenuous activity. Example: "After hiking for hours in the hot sun, we were worn out and ready to rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"We were worn out," says Nelson.

The Guardian - Music

"We were worn out by the process," she said.

The New York Times

By the time Jonah reached his teens, we were worn out and frustrated, not very far from where we'd started.

The New York Times - Health

"In the first half we clearly deserved to be ahead and, apart from the last few minutes when we were worn out, we always had control of the game," said Portugal coach Paulo Bento.

BBC

We were worn out and our lives had been torn apart," said the head of Shaw Chaung village, U Zaw Min.

Unicef

What does he make of what's going on between Moe and Curly?" Carell's mother, Harriet, a psychiatric nurse, recalled, "My husband and I were pretty obsessive and uptight about how we brought up the first three boys, and when Steven came along we were worn out.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

We were wearing out our wellies before you'd even packed those plastic champagne flutes into the back of your RV.

Vice

We've been so busy and we're worn out now.

The New York Times

Moine said he and many of his fellow union members were still driven by SB 5. "In one sense, we're worn out and exhausted -- one year after another, there's hardly any break," Moine said.

Huffington Post

"We're wearing out opponents with our overall depth," said Lavin, the only coach besides Duke's Mike Krzyzewski to lead his team to the Round of 16 five times in the last six seasons.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're worn out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group's exhaustion, consider the specific cause. For example, "After the marathon, we were worn out" provides more context than simply "We were worn out."

Common error

While "worn out" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "exhausted" or "fatigued" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were worn out" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating the state of being tired or exhausted for a group of people. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable expression in written English. Examples show its usage in diverse scenarios, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were worn out" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to describe a state of extreme tiredness or exhaustion in a group. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral contexts; formal settings might benefit from synonyms. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Wiki sources, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of depletion and fatigue. When using this phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure the most appropriate level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were exhausted

Replaces "worn out" with a more direct synonym, conveying a similar level of tiredness.

we were fatigued

Uses a more formal term for tiredness, suitable for professional contexts.

we were spent

Implies a complete depletion of energy, often after a significant effort.

we were drained

Suggests that energy has been completely taken away, leaving a feeling of emptiness.

we were depleted

A more formal synonym for drained, indicating a reduction in resources or energy.

we were beat

An informal way of saying tired or exhausted.

we were knackered

A British English term for being very tired.

we were bushed

An informal expression, similar to beat or worn out.

we were frazzled

Suggests being overwhelmed and exhausted, often from stress.

we were all in

Implies that everyone was completely exhausted and had nothing left to give.

FAQs

What does "we were worn out" mean?

The phrase "we were worn out" means that a group of people felt extremely tired, exhausted, or depleted of energy. It suggests a state of physical or mental fatigue.

What can I say instead of "we were worn out"?

You can use alternatives like "we were exhausted", "we were fatigued", or "we were spent" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we were worn out"?

Yes, the phrase "we were worn out" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules, using the past tense of the verb "to be" with a subject and a past participle adjective.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "we were worn out"?

The phrase "we were worn out" is appropriate in various contexts, including informal conversations, news articles, and personal narratives. However, in very formal writing, consider using alternatives like "we were exhausted" to maintain a professional tone.