were pleased

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were pleased" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express satisfaction or happiness about a situation or outcome, often in a formal or polite context. Example: "We were pleased to announce the successful completion of the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they were pleased.

The New Yorker

Customers were pleased.

The New York Times

The Americans were pleased.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Uzbeks were pleased.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many were pleased.

The Guardian - Sport

The insurers were pleased.

The New York Times

But others were pleased.

The New York Times

Some people were pleased.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not all observers were pleased.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Of course, they were pleased.

The New York Times

We were pleased to accept.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were pleased" to convey a sense of professional satisfaction or agreement, especially in formal communication. For more emotional contexts consider synonyms like "were delighted" or "were thrilled".

Common error

Avoid using "were pleased" in highly informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more casual alternatives like "were happy" or "were glad".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were pleased" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It expresses a state of satisfaction or contentment experienced by a group or individuals, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were pleased" is a versatile adjective phrase used to express satisfaction or approval. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's considered grammatically correct and appears "very common" across various sources, primarily in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it leans toward the formal side, making it ideal for professional settings. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, as options like "were delighted" and "were happy" carry slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were delighted

Indicates a higher degree of pleasure or joy compared to "were pleased".

were thrilled

Expresses a strong feeling of excitement and pleasure.

were happy

A more general expression of contentment, less formal than "were pleased".

were elated

Suggests a feeling of great happiness and triumph.

were satisfied

Focuses on the fulfillment of a need or expectation rather than pure enjoyment.

were appreciative

Indicates gratitude for something received or experienced.

were content

Implies a state of peaceful satisfaction, often with existing circumstances.

were grateful

Expresses thankfulness for a benefit or kindness.

found satisfaction

Highlights the act of discovering or achieving contentment.

were gratified

Suggests a feeling of satisfaction derived from having one's efforts recognized or appreciated.

FAQs

How can I use "were pleased" in a sentence?

You can use "were pleased" to express satisfaction or approval. For example, "We "were pleased" with the outcome of the meeting", or "The customers "were pleased" with the new service".

What is a more casual alternative to "were pleased"?

Alternatives include "were happy", "were glad", or "were thrilled", depending on the degree of enthusiasm you want to convey.

Is "were pleased" more formal than "were happy"?

Yes, "were pleased" is generally considered more formal than "were happy". It's suitable for professional or official communication, while "were happy" is appropriate for a wider range of contexts.

When should I use "were satisfied" instead of "were pleased"?

Use "were satisfied" when you want to emphasize that a requirement or expectation has been met. "Were pleased" implies a general feeling of contentment, while "were satisfied" indicates that specific needs have been fulfilled.