were betrayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were betrayed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals or groups have experienced treachery or disloyalty from someone they trusted. Example: "The soldiers were betrayed by their own commander, leading to a devastating defeat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were betrayed.

Yale University

But they were betrayed.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We were betrayed".

The New York Times

"We were betrayed," Mr. Delettrez said.

The New York Times

In fact, the composers were betrayed first.

The New Yorker

These plans were betrayed to Caesar.

Britannica

"I feel as if we were betrayed.

The New York Times

"We were betrayed," Mr. Perdomo said.

The New York Times

The plan failed when the conspirators were betrayed.

Britannica

He and his comrades were betrayed by a Norwegian civilian.

The Guardian - Film

In Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere, we were betrayed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were betrayed" when you want to emphasize a violation of trust and a sense of disloyalty, especially when someone or something that was relied upon acted against your interests.

Common error

While "were betrayed" is impactful, avoid overusing it in contexts where simpler phrases like "were let down" or "were disappointed" would be more appropriate. "Were betrayed" carries a strong connotation of treachery, so ensure the context justifies its use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were betrayed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject received the action of betrayal. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe groups or individuals who suffered a breach of trust, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Encyclopedias

12%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were betrayed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase expressing the passive experience of betrayal. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate when describing a violation of trust. The analysis shows its prevalence in news media and encyclopedic contexts, and highlights its function to convey disappointment and resentment. While versatile, writers should ensure its strong connotation aligns with the intended message, as it carries a more potent meaning than similar phrases like "were let down". Consider source authority and context to make the most informed writing choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had their trust violated

Highlights the breach of confidence and the breaking of a bond of trust.

were sold out

Suggests a betrayal for personal gain, often involving the sacrifice of others' interests.

were double-crossed

Emphasizes a sense of deceit and treachery, implying a deliberate act of betrayal.

were stabbed in the back

Emphasizes the sudden and unexpected nature of the betrayal, often by someone close.

were victims of treachery

Formal and emphatic way of expressing betrayal, highlighting the deceitful nature of the act.

were deceived

Focuses on the act of being misled or tricked, without necessarily implying a broken trust.

were played

Implies manipulation and exploitation, suggesting the betrayed party was used for someone else's advantage.

were let down

Implies a failure to meet expectations or provide support, often with a less severe connotation than "were betrayed".

were cheated

Focuses on the act of being defrauded or swindled, particularly in financial or contractual contexts.

were abandoned

Focuses on the act of being deserted or left behind, possibly without any deception.

FAQs

How is "were betrayed" different from "were deceived"?

"Were deceived" implies being misled or tricked, while "were betrayed" specifically denotes a violation of trust. Betrayal involves a breach of loyalty or confidence that was previously established.

When is it appropriate to use "were betrayed"?

Use "were betrayed" when you want to emphasize a violation of trust and a sense of disloyalty by someone or something that was relied upon. For instance, "The soldiers "were betrayed" by their own commander" indicates a serious breach of trust.

What are some alternatives to "were betrayed"?

Alternatives include "were let down", "were deceived", "were double-crossed", or "were sold out", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "were betrayed" formal or informal?

"Were betrayed" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although its strong connotation might make it more impactful in serious or dramatic situations. Consider the audience and the context when choosing whether to use it.