were safe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were safe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something was in a state of safety in the past. Example: "After the storm passed, we were safe in our home, away from the flooding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We were safe".

The New York Times

Both runners were safe.

The New York Times - Sports

They were safe.

The New York Times - Sports

They were safe, too.

The New York Times - Science

Widnes were safe.

The Guardian - Sport

The children were safe.

The New York Times

So we were safe.

The Guardian - Film

"We figured we were safe.

The New York Times

And there were safe homes.

The Guardian - Music

"All our Nevadans were safe.

The Guardian

They thought they were safe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing past events where safety was achieved, use "were safe" to clearly communicate a state of security. For example, "After the rescue, the hikers were safe and sound."

Common error

Avoid using "are safe" when referring to a past situation; use "were safe" to maintain proper tense consistency. For example, instead of saying "Yesterday, they are safe", say "Yesterday, they were safe".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were safe" functions as a predicate adjective describing the state of being secure or free from danger in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, with numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts. It links a subject to the condition of being protected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were safe" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express a past state of security. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, to reassure or inform that a subject was free from danger at a certain point in time. Remember to use "were safe" for plural subjects or with "you", and avoid using "are safe" when referring to past situations. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively convey security and reassurance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were secure

Focuses on the state of being firmly protected and unlikely to be harmed.

were protected

Highlights the action of being defended from harm or danger.

were out of danger

Emphasizes the removal from a situation of risk or peril.

were unharmed

Indicates a lack of injury or damage sustained.

were risk-free

Stresses the absence of potential negative consequences.

were in a safe place

Highlights the location providing security.

were under protection

Focuses on the active state of receiving safeguarding measures.

were sheltered

Implies being shielded from adverse conditions or threats.

experienced no danger

Emphasizes the absence of threatening experiences.

met with no harm

Highlights the lack of negative impact or injury encountered.

FAQs

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

Use "were safe" to describe a past state of being free from danger or harm. For example, "The children were safe inside the house during the storm".

What are some alternatives to "were safe"?

You can use alternatives such as "were secure", "were protected", or "were out of danger" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was safe" instead of "were safe"?

"Was safe" is used for singular subjects, while "were safe" is used for plural subjects or when using "were" with "you". For example, "He was safe" but "They were safe".

What's the difference between "are safe" and "were safe"?

"Are safe" describes a current state of safety, whereas "were safe" describes a past state. For example, "The passengers are safe now" vs. "The passengers were safe after the emergency landing".