we were delivering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were delivering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action in the past, typically in the context of providing goods or services. Example: "Last week, we were delivering packages to various locations across the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

How could we know we were delivering results?

Harvard Business Review

"It was around six in the morning," Wayne said, "and we were delivering yet another draft to Aspen Lodge.

The New Yorker

Stephanie told them we were delivering eyeballs, but they were like, eyeballs are a dime a dozen.

The New York Times

We were delivering accuracy and collecting excellent data that could potentially bootstrap an AI solution down the road.

Harvard Business Review

We felt the benefits we were delivering outweighed the lack of self-service redemption capabilities for eVouchers.

The Economist

But Mensch adds: "If I was at the Arts Council I would be looking very hard at my books to make sure we were delivering value for money".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

But we were delivered a diabolical despot.

HuffPost

"We're delivering ourselves into the unknown".

The New York Times

"We're delivering and Europe's helping".

The New York Times

"We are delivering democracy on a platter.

Independent

The things we are delivering," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were delivering", ensure that the context clearly specifies what was being delivered and to whom or where. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses mid-sentence. For example, don't start with "we were delivering" (past continuous) and then switch to a simple present tense without reason. Maintain consistency for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were delivering" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. According to Ludwig AI, it describes an ongoing action of providing or supplying something during a specific period in the past. Examples show its usage in various contexts like delivering services, aid, or products.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were delivering" is a versatile and grammatically correct construction used to describe an ongoing action of providing or supplying something in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and common usage across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, formal business, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what was being delivered and maintain consistent tense throughout your writing. Consider alternatives like "we supplied" or "we were providing" for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were providing

This alternative uses a more general verb for giving something.

we were giving

Uses a more basic verb to indicate the act of giving.

we supplied

This alternative uses a simpler verb to convey the act of providing something.

we furnished

This alternative is more suitable when the thing delivered is a physical object.

we were shipping

This alternative implies the action of transporting goods.

we were transporting

Similar to "shipping", focuses on movement of items.

we conveyed

This alternative is suitable for delivering information or messages.

we rendered

Suitable when delivering services or help.

we handed over

Suggests a formal transfer of something.

we contributed

Suitable when 'delivering' means to add to a collective effort.

FAQs

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

Use "we were delivering" to describe a continuous action of providing or supplying something in the past. For example, "Last week, we were delivering essential supplies to the affected areas."

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

You can use alternatives like "we supplied", "we were providing", or "we furnished" depending on the context.

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

While both are grammatically correct, "we are delivering" refers to a present action, while "we were delivering" refers to an action that was ongoing in the past. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the timing of the delivery.

What's the difference between "we were delivering" and "we delivered"?

"We were delivering" implies a continuous action over a period in the past, while "we delivered" indicates a completed action in the past. For example, "We were delivering packages all day yesterday" versus "We delivered the final shipment yesterday afternoon".