as we were

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we were" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a previous state or condition, often in a narrative or reflective context. Example: "As we were walking through the park, I couldn't help but reminisce about our childhood adventures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As we were saying.

The New Yorker

As we were.

The Guardian

As we were, we were OK".

Independent

Not as fast as we were.

The New Yorker

So we did as we were told.

The New York Times - Arts

Are granted as we were.

The New Yorker

"As we were graduating, we. . .

The Washington Post

He wasn't as crazy as we were".

The New Yorker

As we were, or thought we were.

The Guardian - Film

"We'll now continue planning as we were.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

As we are by them".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as we were" to smoothly transition back to a previous topic or state in your writing, creating a sense of continuity and connection for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "as we were" if there is no clear prior context or situation to which you are referring. The phrase loses its meaning and can confuse the reader if not appropriately linked to a previous point.

Linguistic Context

As we were primarily functions as a transitional phrase. It serves to redirect attention back to a previous point, state, or topic in a conversation or narrative. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and frequent usage validate its role in maintaining continuity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as we were" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase predominantly used to transition back to a prior point in a conversation or narrative. As affirmed by Ludwig, its frequent presence in news, academic, and business contexts underscores its wide applicability. While alternatives exist for more formal or specific situations, "as we were" effectively maintains continuity and refocuses attention. Remember to use it when there is clear prior context and avoid misusing it in unrelated contexts to prevent confusion. With a high source quality score and expert rating, this phrase remains a reliable choice in various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as I was saying

Focuses on the speaker resuming their interrupted train of thought.

where we left off

Focuses on resuming from a specific point rather than a general state.

to return to our previous point

Emphasizes the act of going back to an earlier idea or topic.

as mentioned before

Highlights a prior statement or fact.

returning to the subject

Specifically directs attention back to the main topic.

let's get back to where we were

Implies a desire to restore a prior condition or arrangement.

picking up where we stopped

Highlights a pause or interruption in a process or discussion.

resuming our conversation

Specifically refers to continuing a dialogue after a break.

getting back on track

Suggests a need to correct a deviation from an original plan or topic.

before we digress

Indicates a need to return to the original topic before further deviations occur.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "as we were" in a sentence?

Use "as we were" to smoothly return to a point or topic that was previously discussed or interrupted. It signals a continuation of a thought or action, creating a sense of connection with the earlier context.

What's a good alternative to "as we were" if I want to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "to reiterate", "returning to the subject", or "as previously stated", depending on the specific context.

Is "as we were" grammatically correct, or is there a more proper way to phrase it?

"As we were" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. However, ensure it logically connects to a prior statement or situation to avoid ambiguity. You might also consider "where we left off" or "before we digress" as alternatives.

In what kind of writing is "as we were" most appropriate?

"As we were" is versatile and fits well in various writing styles, from informal conversations to more structured narratives. It's particularly effective in dialogues or reports where there's a need to circle back to an earlier point.