we were arguing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were arguing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a past situation where two or more people were in a disagreement or debate. Example: "During the meeting, we were arguing about the best approach to the project, and tensions were high."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

We were arguing a lot.

The Guardian

Soon we were arguing about his drinking.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We were arguing for more time.

The New York Times

I was 15, and we were arguing about something.

The New York Times

"We were arguing in the mall about which treadmill to buy," she told me.

The New York Times

"We were arguing, both partying and doing things we shouldn't have," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

We are arguing that.

The New York Times - Sports

"What we're arguing about is magnitude".

The New York Times

We're arguing about the cost".

The New York Times

We're arguing to end it.

The Guardian

O.k., that's not exactly what we're arguing about.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were arguing" to describe past situations where there was a disagreement or debate. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Ensure the context clarifies the subject of the argument. Avoid vague statements and specify what "we were arguing" about for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we were arguing" is as a clause, specifically an independent clause expressing an action in the past progressive tense. Ludwig AI examples show its usage in describing past disagreements or debates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were arguing" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a past disagreement or debate. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral, specifying the subject of the argument enhances clarity. Consider alternatives like "we had a disagreement" or "we were debating" to subtly alter the nuance. Overall, "we were arguing" is a reliable choice for conveying past conflict or debate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we had a conflict

Highlights the presence of opposing interests or ideas.

we had a disagreement

Indicates a milder form of conflict compared to "we were arguing".

we were at odds

Indicates a state of disagreement or opposition.

we were quarreling

Suggests a heated or emotional argument.

we were in dispute

Suggests a more formal or legal context of disagreement.

we were clashing

Emphasizes the direct opposition of ideas or personalities.

we were contending

Implies a struggle to assert a position or viewpoint.

we were bickering

Implies a petty or trivial argument.

we were wrangling

Suggests a prolonged and possibly frustrating argument.

we were debating

Focuses on a more structured and reasoned discussion of differing viewpoints.

FAQs

What does "we were arguing" mean?

The phrase "we were arguing" indicates that in the past, two or more people were engaged in a disagreement or debate, typically involving differing opinions or perspectives.

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

You can use "we were arguing" to describe a past situation. For example, "We were arguing about politics last night, but we're still friends."

What can I say instead of "we were arguing"?

You can use alternatives like "we had a disagreement", "we were debating", or "we were in dispute" depending on the context.

Is "we were arguing" formal or informal?

"We were arguing" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and situation.