they were fucking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were fucking" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal and vulgar.
It can be used in contexts where explicit language is appropriate, such as in creative writing, dialogue, or when conveying strong emotions.
Example: "In the heat of the moment, they were fucking like there was no tomorrow."
Alternatives: "they were having sex" or "they were making love.".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

He says a caller told the police: "They were fucking.

The Guardian - Film

He once stormed into a meeting with suppliers and bellowed that they were "fucking dickless assholes".

The Economist

They had 60s garage-rock roots but they were fucking it up so it sounded almost like art-rock.

The Guardian - Music

"I thought they were fucking with me," Kipnis told me recently; she was sitting in a low leather chair in her apartment in Manhattan, where she lives when not teaching.

The New Yorker

They were fucking".

Vice

They were fucking scary, too.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

They are fucking done".

The Guardian - Music

They're fucking amazing.

The Guardian - Music

They're fucking brilliant.

The Guardian

They are fucking dead.

The Guardian

They're fucking killing me," she cries.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were fucking" sparingly and consider your audience. While grammatically correct, its vulgarity can be jarring in many contexts. Reserve it for situations where explicit language is appropriate and serves a specific purpose, such as emphasizing a character's anger or frustration.

Common error

Don't use "they were fucking" in formal writing or professional communications. The shock value can easily overshadow your intended message, alienating readers and undermining your credibility. Always assess the context to ensure the phrase's intensity aligns with your goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were fucking" functions as a clause expressing an action performed by a group of individuals. It provides a direct, albeit vulgar, statement about sexual activity. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness but cautions about its informal nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were fucking" is grammatically sound but extremely informal and vulgar. Ludwig's analysis, drawing from a variety of sources, indicates that its primary function is to express a blunt description of sexual activity. It is mainly found in News & Media contexts, often within quotes or narratives where a strong effect is desired. Due to its explicitness, this phrase is generally unsuitable for formal or professional communication and should be used with caution. If a less offensive term is required, consider alternatives such as "they were having sex" or "they were making love".

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were having intercourse

Replaces a vulgar term with a more clinical and formal expression for sexual activity.

they were making love

Substitutes a crude term with a more romantic and euphemistic phrase.

they were sleeping together

Offers a discreet and indirect way to imply sexual activity.

they were getting intimate

Indicates a level of closeness, suggesting physical affection without being explicit.

they were engaging in sexual activity

Employs a technical and detached term for sexual intercourse.

they were at it

Uses an idiomatic and ambiguous expression to imply sexual activity.

More alternative expressions

they were sleeping

they were playing

they were dying

they were going

they were lying

they were messing

they were talking

they were kidding

they were do

FAQs

What does "they were fucking" mean?

The phrase "they were fucking" is a vulgar way of saying "they were having sex". It's a direct and explicit term for sexual intercourse.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "they were fucking"?

This phrase is generally appropriate only in informal contexts where strong language is acceptable or intended for emphasis. Consider using it in creative writing, direct quotes, or casual conversations with people who won't be offended. It's often inappropriate in professional, academic, or formal settings.

Which is more appropriate, "they were fucking" or "they were having sex"?

"They were having sex" is more appropriate in most situations. "They were fucking" is highly vulgar and should only be used when you intentionally want to create a strong, possibly offensive, effect.

What are some alternative ways to say "they were fucking" without being vulgar?

Depending on the context, you could use "they were making love", "they were sleeping together", or "they were intimate". These phrases convey the idea of sexual activity with varying degrees of explicitness and formality.