we were after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were after" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a pursuit or desire for something, often in a context where one is seeking a specific goal or outcome. Example: "In our research, we were after new solutions to improve energy efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's exactly what we were after," Guinness adds.

The New York Times

"Almost every big tax evader we were after would pull a political leader," Mr. Pillay said.

The New York Times

"It was almost amateuristic, the atmosphere we were after," he explained.

The New York Times

"We think it's a big win for what we were after," he said.

Los Angeles Times

"We were after Michael Brown's justice".

Independent

We were, after all, Americans.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Just what we were after".

The New York Times - Sports

We were after a Janet Baker type".

The New York Times - Arts

"That's not what we were after.

The New York Times

How young we were, after all!

The New Yorker

It was another department we were after.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were after", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being pursued. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid shifting tense mid-sentence. If you start with "we were after", maintain past tense consistency throughout the clause to prevent grammatical errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were after" functions as a verb phrase indicating past pursuit or desire. Ludwig AI shows that it is commonly used to express what someone or a group was trying to obtain or achieve.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were after" is a grammatically correct and neutrally registered verb phrase used to express past intentions, goals, or objectives. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to explain the motivation behind past actions. While "we were after" is not exceptionally frequent, it appears consistently across diverse contexts, with a notable presence in news and media, academic writing, and science. If seeking alternatives, consider options like "we sought" or "we were pursuing", adjusting based on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we sought

This option is a more formal and concise way of expressing the same idea, emphasizing the act of seeking something specific.

we were pursuing

This alternative highlights the active and ongoing nature of the pursuit, suggesting a more determined effort.

we were looking for

This is a more common and general way of expressing the search for something, suitable for less formal contexts.

we desired

This phrase emphasizes the longing or wanting aspect of what was being sought, adding an emotional dimension.

we aimed for

This suggests a specific target or goal that was being aimed at, implying a strategic approach.

we intended to find

This option clarifies the intention behind the search, emphasizing the planned nature of the activity.

we were in search of

Similar to "we were looking for", but slightly more formal and emphasizes the active state of searching.

our objective was

This is a more formal and structured way of stating the goal, suitable for professional or academic settings.

we had our sights set on

This idiom implies a strong and focused desire for something, suggesting ambition and determination.

we were targeting

This suggests a specific focus on a particular outcome or object, often used in strategic or technical contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were after" to describe what you were trying to find or achieve in the past. For example, "We were after a solution to the problem" or "We were after justice for the victims".

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

If you're looking for a more formal alternative, consider using "we sought" or "our objective was". These phrases are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is it correct to say "we are after" instead of "we were after"?

The correct tense depends on the context. "We are after" indicates a present pursuit, while "we were after" indicates a past pursuit. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the timing of the action.

What is the difference between "we were after" and "we were pursuing"?

"We were after" is a general way to express that you were seeking something. "We were pursuing" suggests a more active and determined effort in trying to achieve something. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.