we were discovering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were discovering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing process of finding out or learning something over a period of time in the past. Example: "As we were discovering new techniques in the lab, we realized the potential of our research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Travel

Culture

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"We were discovering it as we were doing it".

The New Yorker

It seemed like we were discovering it for the first time".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Having a butler, we were discovering, is not a bad thing.

The New York Times - Travel

"We were discovering our sexuality at the same time that the world was," he notes.

The Guardian - Music

Every day we were discovering new things about how to build it.

The Guardian

"We were discovering the world, he was always pushing hard and wanting to race.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Then we were discovered and his marriage ended.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And if we were discovered, it would end badly.

Huffington Post

What if we actually lived like everyone IS my neighbor?... soon we were discovered by Japanese soldiers.

Huffington Post

"Right now we are discovering our traditions.

The New York Times - Food

But now, we are discovering, success can be contagious too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly indicates who "we" refers to and what was being discovered to maintain clarity and relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "we were discovering" to describe a single, instantaneous event. This phrase is better suited for ongoing processes, not sudden revelations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were discovering" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past continuous action. It describes an ongoing process of finding out or learning something over a period of time in the past. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were discovering" effectively conveys an ongoing process of uncovering new information, insights, or experiences over time. As Ludwig's analysis confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, science, and travel. While its register is generally neutral, it can adapt to both formal and informal writing styles, depending on the context. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure clarity regarding who "we" refers to and what was being discovered. For more formal settings, alternatives like "we ascertained" or "we determined" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were learning

Replaces "discovering" with a more general term for acquiring knowledge.

we were finding out

Emphasizes the process of obtaining information.

we came to realize

Highlights a change in understanding or awareness.

we began to understand

Focuses on the initial stage of comprehension.

we observed

Emphasizes an active observation leading to a discovery.

we noticed

Highlights an incidental or unplanned observation.

it dawned on us

Indicates a sudden realization or understanding.

we unearthed

Suggests uncovering something previously hidden or unknown.

we ascertained

Emphasizes the process of confirming or establishing something as true.

we detected

Highlights the act of perceiving or identifying something subtle.

FAQs

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

This phrase is used to describe a gradual process of finding something out. For example, "As we explored the new city, "we were discovering" hidden gems at every corner."

What's a more formal alternative to "we were discovering"?

In a formal context, consider using phrases like "we ascertained" or "we determined" to convey a sense of thorough investigation and definitive finding.

Is "we were discovering" appropriate for scientific writing?

Yes, in scientific writing, "we were discovering" can be used to describe the ongoing process of research and observation. For example, "Through our experiments, "we were discovering" new properties of the material."

What is the difference between "we discovered" and "we were discovering"?

"We discovered" implies a completed action of finding something, while ""we were discovering"" indicates an ongoing process of finding something out over a period of time. The latter emphasizes the journey of discovery rather than just the final finding.