Where were we?

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Where were we?" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to ask for a recap of a previous discussion or to resume a conversation after a pause. Example: "After the interruption, I asked, 'Where were we?' to get back on track." Alternative expressions include "What were we discussing?" and "Where did we leave off?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Where were we?

The New York Times

Where were we, then?

The New Yorker

Where were we attacked?

The New Yorker

Where were we all going?

The New York Times

Where were we again?

The New York Times - Books

Where were we then?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Where were we living?

The New Yorker

Where were we from?

The Guardian

Where were we for his life?

The New York Times

Where were we planning to eat lunch?

The New York Times

Where were we in that afternoon?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Where were we?" to smoothly transition back into a conversation after an interruption. It helps re-establish context and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Common error

Avoid using "Where were we?" if the person you're speaking to wasn't part of the original conversation or lacks the necessary context. Provide a brief recap instead to ensure they understand the current discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Where were we?" functions as an interrogative phrase used to re-establish context in a conversation. Ludwig indicates that it's grammatically sound and widely used. Examples show it used after interruptions, digressions, or shifts in focus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Where were we?" is a grammatically correct and very common interrogative phrase used to smoothly resume a conversation after an interruption or digression. Ludwig's analysis of various sources confirms its widespread use, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral, it can lean towards informal due to its directness. When using this phrase, consider the context and the audience's familiarity with the previous discussion to ensure clarity and avoid excluding anyone. If the audience is not aware of the context you should provide an alternative such as let's backtrack a little.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What were we talking about?

Focuses on the content of the conversation rather than the specific point reached.

What did we discuss last?

Emphasizes recalling the prior topic of conversation.

Where did we leave off?

Highlights the point of interruption or departure in the discussion.

What was I saying?

Centers on the speaker's previous statement before the interruption.

Can you remind me what we were on?

Seeks assistance in remembering the topic under discussion.

What point were we at?

Inquires about the specific stage of the conversation that was reached.

Let's get back to where we were.

Suggests returning to the previous point, focusing on location within the discussion.

Where had we got to?

Similar to "where did we leave off", but uses a more informal phrasing.

So, what were we up to?

Casual way of getting back to the topic that was being discussed.

What were we in the middle of?

Emphasizes the interruption of the current discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "Where were we?" to politely redirect a conversation back to its previous point after an interruption. For example, "Sorry about that interruption, "where were we" before the phone rang?"

What's a more formal alternative to "Where were we?"?

In formal settings, consider using "To recap, what were we discussing?" or "Where did we leave off?" These options maintain politeness while conveying the same intent.

When is it inappropriate to use "Where were we?"?

It's best to avoid "Where were we?" if the person you're speaking to wasn't involved in the original conversation. Instead, provide a brief summary to bring them up to speed or use an alternative like "let's backtrack a little".

What's the difference between "Where were we?" and "what were we talking about?"

"Where were we?" focuses on the specific point or stage of the conversation, whereas "what were we talking about?" is a more general inquiry about the overall topic under discussion.