they were wasting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were wasting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where time, resources, or opportunities are being squandered or not used effectively. Example: "They were wasting valuable time by not planning ahead for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

They were wasting little time.

The New York Times

Hawley seemed to think they were wasting everyone's time.

The Guardian

The participants rarely felt they were wasting their time.

Harvard Business Review

"They felt like they were wasting their money".

The New York Times

They weren’t too worried about what they were wasting or giving away.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They were wasting it, but did not want to admit it".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

But like most chances created this homestand, they were wasted.

The Washington Post

They were wasted years I can never get back.

Huffington Post

They are wasting the court's time.

The New York Times

They're wasting my time.

The New York Times - Sports

They are wasting their breath.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were wasting", ensure the context clearly indicates what resource (time, money, effort, etc.) is being wasted. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "they were wasting" in overly passive constructions. Instead, consider active voice to emphasize who is wasting and what they are wasting. For example, instead of "Time was being wasted by them", write "They were wasting time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were wasting" functions as a verb phrase, specifically using the past continuous tense. It describes an action of wasting something (time, resources, etc.) that was in progress at some point in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were wasting" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the inefficient use of resources. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is commonly employed across various contexts, primarily in news and media, but also in academic and scientific writing. It’s crucial to ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is being wasted. Avoiding passive voice and choosing more descriptive synonyms like "squandering" or "frittering away" can enhance writing. With its versatile application, understanding its nuances and potential errors helps ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were squandering

Emphasizes reckless and foolish spending or consumption.

they were frittering away

Highlights the gradual and often careless dissipation of resources.

they were misusing

Focuses on the inappropriate or incorrect application of resources.

they were not utilizing effectively

Stresses the lack of efficiency in the use of available resources.

they were throwing away

Implies a complete disregard for the value of what is being used.

they were losing

Focuses on the negative outcome of not using resources properly, leading to loss.

they were failing to capitalize on

Highlights the missed opportunity to gain benefit from available resources.

they were being unproductive with

Emphasizes the lack of output or results from their efforts.

they were ineffectively using

Highlights the ineffective employment of a resource.

they were diminishing

Stresses a slow but steady decrease in some resources.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were wasting" to describe a situation where resources like time, money, or effort are being used inefficiently. For example, "They were wasting valuable time by arguing instead of working on the project".

What are some alternatives to "they were wasting"?

Alternatives include phrases like "they were squandering", "they were frittering away", or "they were misusing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "they were wasting"?

Yes, "they were wasting" is grammatically correct. It uses the past continuous tense to describe an ongoing action of wasting something.

What's the difference between "they were wasting" and "they wasted"?

"They were wasting" implies a continuous action in the past, suggesting that the wasting was ongoing for some time. "They wasted" implies a completed action, suggesting that the wasting occurred at a specific point or over a defined period.