we were designing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were designing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action in the past related to the process of creating or planning something. Example: "During the summer, we were designing a new website for our client."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

When we were designing the film, Tony Pratt our designer came up with wallpaper designs for the house.

Huffington Post

When we were designing Nadine, we did it from the viewpoint of being human.

The New York Times

We were designing a research and development building in Beijing for an American technology company.

The New York Times

But 10 years later, when we were designing the first Macintosh computer, it all came back to me.

The Guardian - Tech

If we were designing a school system for modern Britain from scratch, faith schools would not feature.

The Guardian - Opinion

RI Shigetaka Kurita It was the 1990s, and we were designing a new online language to use in text messages.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

We were designed to be moving around.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We were designed to be physically active all day long.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It is a return to the way we were designed to eat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We were designed to be loved.

HuffPost

Turns out, we were designed to live in the light.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a design process, provide specific details about the stages, tools, or considerations involved to give your audience a clearer picture of your work. For example: "When we were designing the user interface, we focused on simplicity and accessibility."

Common error

Avoid using "we were designing" without specifying what you were designing. Providing the object or goal of the design process adds clarity and relevance to your statement. For example, instead of just saying "we were designing", specify "we were designing a new mobile app."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were designing" functions as a verb phrase indicating an ongoing action in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing a process of creation or planning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were designing" is a versatile verb phrase that vividly portrays an ongoing creative or planning activity in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Appearing most frequently in News & Media contexts, this phrase serves to describe projects ranging from film sets to technological innovations. While alternatives like "we were creating" or "we were planning" can offer slightly different nuances, "we were designing" effectively conveys a sense of active involvement in a design process. Remember to provide context to ensure clarity and relevance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were creating

Replaces 'designing' with a more general term for making something, implying a broader scope of activities.

we were developing

Suggests a gradual process of growth and improvement, often used for products or systems.

we were planning

Focuses on the preparatory stages, emphasizing the arrangement of elements before execution.

we were formulating

Implies a careful and systematic process of creating a plan or strategy.

we were devising

Highlights the inventive aspect of creating something, often implying ingenuity.

we were drafting

Focuses on the initial stage of writing or drawing up a plan.

we were inventing

Emphasizes the novelty and originality of what is being created.

we were constructing

Suggests a physical building or assembling of something from different parts.

we were fashioning

Implies shaping or molding something, often with artistic skill.

we were conceiving

Focuses on the initial idea or mental creation of something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we were designing" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "we were developing", "we were formulating", or "we were devising", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "we designed" instead of "we were designing"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "We designed" indicates a completed action, while "we were designing" suggests an ongoing process in the past.

What's the difference between "we were designing" and "we planned"?

"We were designing" implies a more detailed and creative process, focusing on the specifics of a creation. "We planned", on the other hand, suggests a more general outline or strategy.

Can I use "we were engineering" as a substitute for "we were designing"?

While "we were engineering" can be a substitute, it's more appropriate when referring to technical or mechanical projects. "We were designing" is generally suitable for broader creative endeavors.