they were constructing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were constructing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action in the past related to building or creating something. Example: "They were constructing a new bridge over the river when the storm hit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"It was widely known that they were constructing some kind of residence for Hitler," Stempowska recalled.

The New Yorker

They were constructing a huge tent, pulling a tarp over upright wooden poles they had lashed together.

The New York Times

He added, "I thought the floor above us was coming down that the 30-story high-rise they were constructing was collapsing".

The New York Times

Workers pose next to the foundation they were constructing to use as the base for the Statue of Liberty, on Bedloe's Island, New York City.

The New Yorker

If asked, they would say they were constructing terraces, as in a certain book the preacher had which illustrated the customs of the Orient.

The New Yorker

Before the 1976 Games they contacted the International Olympic Committee with a question about the scoreboards they were constructing for the gymnastics.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

At Loewe, they were constructed from leather.

Independent

However they were constructed, they were a success.

The New York Times

They were constructed in waves of speculation beginning in 1905.

The New York Times

Johnson said it was not just that the Bruins were winning, but how they were constructed.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Kiley said pipelines were generally "environmentally benign" once they were constructed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were constructing" to describe ongoing building activities in the past, especially when emphasizing effort and deliberate action.

Common error

In casual conversations, consider using the simpler phrase "they were building" instead of "they were constructing" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were constructing" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It describes an ongoing action of building or creating something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It indicates that a group was in the process of building or assembling something at a specific time in the past.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

25%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were constructing" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe a past, ongoing action of building or creating. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While "constructing" can sound slightly more formal, the phrase maintains a neutral register and is found in various contexts, notably in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While alternatives like "they were building" exist, "they were constructing" offers a slightly more formal tone and emphasizes deliberate effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were building

Replaces "constructing" with a more common synonym, "building", maintaining the same meaning.

they were creating

Uses the word "creating" instead of "constructing", shifting the focus to the act of making something.

they were assembling

Implies putting together pre-made parts, a more specific type of construction.

they were engineering

Focuses on the technical and planned aspect of construction.

they were erecting

Suggests building something tall or upright.

they were putting up

An informal way of saying "they were constructing", suitable for casual contexts.

they were fabricating

Implies manufacturing or inventing something.

they were manufacturing

Focuses on the mass production aspect of construction.

they were developing

Highlights the process of gradual growth and creation.

they were forming

Emphasizes the shaping or molding of something.

FAQs

How can I use "they were constructing" in a sentence?

Use "they were constructing" to describe a past action of building or creating something. For example, "They were constructing a new school in the neighborhood last year".

What's the difference between "they were constructing" and "they were building"?

"They were constructing" and "they were building" are very similar, but "constructing" often implies a more complex or formal building process. "They were building" is generally more versatile and commonly used.

What can I say instead of "they were constructing"?

Alternatives include "they were creating", "they were assembling", or simply "they were building", depending on the specific context.

Is "they are constructing" the same as "they were constructing"?

No, "they are constructing" refers to a present action, while "they were constructing" indicates an action that was in progress in the past.