we were debating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were debating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or issue that was being considered or discussed among a group of people in the past. Example: "During the meeting, we were debating the merits of the new policy and its potential impact on our operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Six months ago we were debating if this group was even real.

The Guardian

It's not like we were debating this and we tabled the budget".

The New York Times

With our standard volubility, we were debating which stories might interest and amuse.

The New York Times - Magazine

Still, one minute, we were debating legislation; the next, we were talking about war.

The New Yorker

"The first year, we were debating whether or not to go to nationals," she recalled.

The New York Times - Travel

I served as governor; as I was governor, as we were debating cloning and as we were debating also embryo farming, I said Roe v. Wade has gone too far.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"We're debating with the architect.

The New York Times - Magazine

But we're debating fiscal policy as if it were.

University of California, Berkeley

"We are debating whether to continue the stay on execution".

The New York Times

Time matters when we're debating spending more.

The New York Times

We are not debating the issue, we are debating the solution.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were debating" to indicate a past discussion involving different viewpoints or potential options. This phrase is useful when highlighting a process of consideration and evaluation.

Common error

Avoid using "we were debating" when simply describing a conversation without conflicting opinions or options being weighed. Use alternatives like "we were discussing" or "we were talking about" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were debating" functions as a declarative statement indicating a past activity of discussion and consideration, often involving differing viewpoints. As seen in Ludwig, it conveys a process of weighing options or arguing different sides of an issue. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were debating" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe a past discussion, particularly when differing viewpoints or options were being considered. Ludwig AI confirms that "we were debating" is correct and usable in written English.

Based on the analysis, this phrase is very common, especially in news and media. When using "we were debating", ensure that the context involves genuine consideration of multiple perspectives. If you are simply referring to a conversation, alternatives like "we were discussing" might be more appropriate. Use "we were discussing" or "we were talking about" instead. High-quality sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ the phrase, indicating its reliability and acceptance in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were discussing

Focuses on a general exchange of ideas, less emphasis on opposing viewpoints.

we were deliberating

Suggests a formal and careful discussion, often in a decision-making context.

we were considering

Highlights the act of thinking about something, often before making a decision.

we were disputing

Highlights the act of questioning or challenging a particular point or idea.

we were arguing

Emphasizes a more heated disagreement or contest of ideas.

we were hashing out

Indicates a detailed and often lengthy discussion aimed at resolving differences.

we were questioning

Focuses on the act of raising doubts or uncertainties about a topic.

we were contemplating

Implies a thoughtful and prolonged consideration of a topic.

we were thrashing out

Implies a vigorous debate to reach an agreement.

we were wrangling over

Suggests a contentious debate with significant disagreement.

FAQs

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

Use "we were debating" to describe a situation where a group was discussing different sides of an issue. For example, "We were debating whether to launch the product this year or next year."

What's the difference between "we were debating" and "we were discussing"?

"We were debating" implies differing opinions or options, while "we were discussing" suggests a more general conversation without necessarily opposing views. You can use alternatives like "we were discussing" or "we were talking about" depending on context.

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

You can use alternatives like "we were considering", "we were arguing", or "we were deliberating" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

The choice between "we are debating" and "we were debating" depends on the time frame. "We are debating" refers to a discussion happening now, while "we were debating" refers to a discussion that happened in the past.