we were wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when acknowledging a mistake or error in judgment. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, we were wrong about the initial assessment of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Unfortunately, we were wrong.

Princeton University

"We were wrong".

The New York Times

Fortunately, we were wrong.

The New Yorker

"But we were wrong.

The Economist

Perhaps we were wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Oh, we were wrong.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

"We were wronged as well".

The New York Times

Maybe we're wrong.

The New Yorker

We are wrong.

The New York Times

But we're wrong.

The New York Times

We hope we're wrong.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were wrong" when directly acknowledging a mistake made by a group. It's clear and concise.

Common error

While "we were wrong" is acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "we were mistaken" or "our assessment was incorrect" in professional or academic writing to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were wrong" functions as a statement of admission or acknowledgment of an error. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to concede that a previous belief, assessment, or action was incorrect. The phrase acts as a form of self-correction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were wrong" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to acknowledge a mistake or error in judgment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely accepted and used in various contexts, including news media and academic writing. While versatile, it's important to consider the audience and choose a more formal alternative if necessary. Common synonyms include "we made a mistake" or "we were mistaken". The phrase's high frequency and diverse usage highlight its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we made a mistake

This alternative is a direct and common way to admit an error, suitable for most contexts.

we were mistaken

This alternative is slightly more formal, suggesting an unintentional error in understanding or perception.

we miscalculated

This phrase is best used when the error involves numbers, data or projections.

we erred

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of making an error.

our assessment was incorrect

This phrase specifically refers to the act of judging or evaluating something.

we were in error

This formal option indicates that the person or group was acting against what is considered right or correct.

we stand corrected

This phrase is often used when someone else has pointed out the error and you accept their correction.

we got it wrong

This is an informal alternative, suitable for casual conversations.

we jumped to the wrong conclusion

This suggests the error was made due to quick or hasty reasoning.

we were off base

This is an idiomatic expression meaning we were not correct, often used when the error involves information or facts.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were wrong" to acknowledge a mistake or misjudgment. For example: "We analyzed the data and realized "we were wrong" in our initial assumptions."

What are some alternatives to saying "we were wrong"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "we made a mistake", "we were mistaken", or "we miscalculated".

Is it appropriate to use "we were wrong" in a formal setting?

While generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "we were mistaken" or "our analysis was incorrect" in professional or academic settings.

What's the difference between "we were wrong" and "I was wrong"?

"We were wrong" acknowledges a shared mistake made by a group, whereas "I was wrong" acknowledges a personal error. If it's a collective mistake, "we were wrong" is more appropriate.