we were assessing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were assessing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the evaluation or analysis of a situation, project, or performance in the past. Example: "During the meeting last week, we were assessing the progress of the project and identifying areas for improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"However, while we were assessing this evidence, we were notified that Silva was planning to move on soon".

The Guardian

We held our hands over the thimble to concentrate the scent, took a smell as if we were assessing a Bordeaux, and then drank.

The New York Times - Travel

But here we were, assessing the fuckability of various cartoon mammals.

Vice

He took another sniff and passed the vial to me as if we were assessing the bouquet of a fine wine.

Vice

Since we were assessing changes in network composition over a six month period, this bias is considered minimal.

Plosone

Since we were assessing short-term climatic suitability relevant to the scale of a proposed species introduction program, we assumed niche stability (i.e., negligible effect of new ecological interactions and evolutionary or behavioral adaptation of focal species to climatic conditions in the extrapolated range).

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"We're assessing the damage.

Independent

"We are assessing the extent of losses".

The New York Times

"We are assessing their potential for superintendent.

The Guardian

We're assessing it, just like everyone else, as we go along.

The New York Times

We are assessing the extent of the damage and beginning the process of recovery.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were assessing", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being assessed and the criteria used for assessment. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were assessing" when a more active voice would be clearer and more concise. For example, instead of "the data were being assessed by us", consider "we assessed the data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were assessing" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a past continuous action of evaluating or judging something. It is used to describe an ongoing evaluation process as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were assessing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verbal phrase employed to describe a past continuous action of evaluation or judgment. According to Ludwig, the expression is correct and usable in written English. It's primarily found in science and news contexts, conveying a neutral to formal tone suitable for professional communications. When using the phrase, make sure to specify what was being evaluated and the evaluation criteria to enhance comprehension. Alternative phrases such as "we evaluated" or "we analyzed" can provide subtle shifts in meaning depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we evaluated

Focuses on the act of judging or determining the value of something after careful examination. It's more direct than "we were assessing".

we were evaluating

Similar to "we evaluated" but emphasizes the ongoing process of evaluation.

we analyzed

Highlights a detailed examination of the elements or structure of something, often involving statistical methods.

we were analyzing

Similar to "we analyzed" but emphasizes the continuous nature of the analysis.

we were reviewing

Implies a formal examination of something with the intention of making changes if necessary.

we examined

Focuses on a detailed inspection or investigation.

we were examining

Like "we examined" but highlights the ongoing process.

we considered

Suggests a careful thought process before making a decision.

we were considering

Implies a prolonged period of reflection and deliberation.

we investigated

Focuses on a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, allegation, etc. so as to establish the truth.

FAQs

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

Use "we were assessing" to describe an evaluation process that took place in the past. For instance, "We were assessing the project's viability before committing further resources".

What phrases are similar to "we were assessing"?

Alternatives include "we evaluated", "we analyzed", or "we reviewed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "we were assessing" formal or informal?

"We were assessing" is generally considered neutral to formal and suitable for professional, academic, or news contexts. The level of formality is going to depend on the context, though.

When is it better to use "we assessed" instead of "we were assessing"?

Use "we assessed" for a completed action, emphasizing the result. Use "we were assessing" to emphasize the process or duration of the assessment itself. This can be particularly useful when the action is ongoing or incomplete.