we were chatting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were chatting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a past conversation or informal discussion between people. Example: "While we were waiting for the bus, we were chatting about our favorite movies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We were chatting away.

The Guardian

We were chatting about horses.

The Guardian - Sport

"We were chatting about the biz.

The New York Times

After three hours, we were chatting away.

The Guardian - Travel

"We were chatting, we were funny, we were articulate.

The New Yorker

"We were chatting, blah-blah-blah, catching up," she said.

The New York Times

Within 10 seconds we were chatting about Minecraft video superstar Stampylonghead.

The Guardian - Travel

I met Lee Ranaldo just the other week, and we were chatting about the book.

The Guardian - Books

He flipped the following one in as we were chatting about the latest twist on decommissioning.

The Guardian

As we were chatting with him, an elderly woman leaning on a walker rounded the corner.

The New Yorker

"She had her head on my knee and we were chatting and messing about".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, use "we were chatting" to indicate a relaxed and comfortable interaction between characters.

Common error

Avoid using "we were chatting" in formal or professional writing, such as business reports or academic papers. Opt for more formal alternatives like "we discussed" or "we conferred" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were chatting" functions as a narrative device to describe a past, ongoing informal conversation. Ludwig AI shows it's used to set a casual tone and provide context for events or information shared during the conversation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were chatting" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for describing a past, casual conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread presence, particularly in news and media contexts. While perfectly acceptable for informal narratives and dialogues, it's best to avoid it in formal or professional writing, opting for more sophisticated alternatives. Remember to select the most appropriate phrase based on the context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were talking

This alternative is a more general term, encompassing any form of verbal communication, whereas "chatting" implies a more casual exchange.

we were speaking

Similar to "talking", but may imply a more one-sided communication rather than a reciprocal exchange like "chatting".

we were having a conversation

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the exchange of ideas, whereas "chatting" is more relaxed.

we were conversing

This alternative is more formal and suggests a more structured or in-depth discussion compared to "chatting".

we were bantering

This suggests a light-hearted and playful exchange of remarks, implying a more teasing or humorous interaction compared to general "chatting".

we were gossiping

This implies a specific type of chatting that involves discussing other people's private affairs, which is a narrower meaning than "chatting".

we were gabbing

Similar to "yacking", this is informal and suggests rapid, continuous talk, possibly about trivial matters.

we were yacking

This alternative is very informal and can imply excessive or unimportant talk, differing in tone from neutral "chatting".

we were visiting

Suggests a social call or friendly meeting in person. Conversation is part of it, but not the main purpose.

we were confabulating

This alternative implies a more secret or conspiratorial conversation, which is a distinct nuance from general "chatting".

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "we were chatting" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "we were talking", "we were conversing", or "we were speaking".

Is "we were chatting" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "we were chatting" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, use phrases like "we discussed" or "we conferred".

How does "we were chatting" differ from "we were discussing"?

"We were chatting" implies a casual, informal conversation, while "we were discussing" suggests a more serious or structured discussion.

Can I use "we were chatting" in a professional email?

It depends on your relationship with the recipient. If it's a close colleague and the context is informal, it might be acceptable. Otherwise, it's best to use a more professional phrase like "we talked about".