we were comprehending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were comprehending" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a past situation where understanding or grasping information was taking place. Example: "During the lecture, we were comprehending the complex theories presented by the professor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The remaining nine items were comprehended by 80 90% of patients.

Cancer Medicine

Realization is comprehending.

Huffington Post

We believe that this is true if TV is comprehended between Vm and Vi.

BMC Cancer

Such failures can be comprehended when the effort is noble.

The New York Times - Food

His behaviour makes no sense unless its evolution is comprehended.

The Economist

But it must be comprehended and administered every day.

Cornell University

Technology fails, it's comprehended.

Huffington Post

An axiomatic truth that has yet to be comprehended.

Huffington Post

And their evolution may be comprehended only retrospectively.

Biology Direct

In fact, if we are not comprehending the information that we consume then the more information there is, the less comprehension there is.

HuffPost

Besides genomic analyses, other 'omics' and 'meta-omics' approaches (transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) need to be introduced if we are to comprehend the unique N2-fixing physiology of Trichodesmium at all organization levels.

FEMS Microbiology Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were comprehending", ensure the context clearly indicates a process of understanding that was ongoing in the past. Although grammatically sound, consider more common alternatives like "we were understanding" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "comprehending" when a simpler word like "understanding" or "getting" suffices. "Comprehending" can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday conversation. Prefer alternatives depending on the specific situation, for instance, use "grasping", "realizing", "getting the hang of" etc.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were comprehending" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It describes an ongoing action of understanding or grasping something at a particular time in the past. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although it is not very frequently used.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were comprehending" is grammatically correct, but rather uncommon in contemporary English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It indicates an ongoing process of understanding in the past, but simpler alternatives such as "we were understanding" or "we understood" are frequently preferred. The choice of "we were comprehending" can sometimes imply a more formal or technical context, though this depends heavily on the surrounding text. When writing, consider your audience and the desired tone to determine if this phrase is the best fit. If clarity and simplicity are paramount, a more common alternative might be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were understanding

Replaces "comprehending" with a more common synonym, "understanding", maintaining the same tense and meaning.

we understood

Simplifies the phrase to the past tense, indicating a completed action of understanding.

we were grasping

Substitutes "comprehending" with "grasping", implying a more active effort to understand.

we were figuring out

Replaces "comprehending" with the phrasal verb "figuring out", suggesting a process of discovery.

we were realizing

Uses "realizing" instead of "comprehending", indicating an awakening or sudden understanding.

we were becoming aware of

Expresses a gradual process of gaining awareness or understanding.

we were getting the hang of

Implies that learning something gradually over time.

we were deciphering

Replaces "comprehending" with "deciphering", which suggests interpreting something cryptic or complex.

we were assimilating

Suggests a gradual absorption of information and concepts.

we were following

Simple verb describing understanding progress of concept explained or developed.

FAQs

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

Use "we were comprehending" to describe a past situation where understanding or grasping information was taking place. For instance, "During the lecture, "we were comprehending" the complex theories presented by the professor".

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

Alternatives to "we were comprehending" include "we were understanding", "we understood", or "we were grasping", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "we were comprehending" correct?

Yes, "we were comprehending" is grammatically correct, though it's less commonly used than alternatives like "we were understanding". It accurately describes an ongoing process of understanding in the past.

What's the difference between "we were comprehending" and "we understood"?

"We were comprehending" implies an ongoing process of understanding, while "we understood" suggests a completed action of having understood something at a point in the past.