we were discussed

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "we were discussed" is not grammatically correct.
The correct form of this sentence should be "we were discussing" or "we were discussed." For example: We were discussing how to improve our services when the meeting ended.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The result was that we were discussed more than Rolex on the world's largest watch forum in the months leading up to Christmas.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We were discussing the weather.

Independent

"We were discussing cricket".

The Guardian - Film

Last week we were discussing late Marxist theory.

Independent

"We were discussing the fish," Audie said.

The New Yorker

Told what we were discussing, he laughed.

The Guardian

He says: "Just a little earlier, we were discussing the window, we were discussing the road.

The Guardian - Film

"We were discussing whether we would be offering punches.

The New York Times

"We were discussing cricket". Iris is baffled and disgusted.

The Guardian - Film

I've been stabbed.' " Or, "We were discussing Boris Johnson".

The Guardian - Opinion

We were discussing Hillary's latest hurdle: the Old Hag routine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure grammatical correctness by using "we were discussing" to describe the act of conversing or "we were discussed" to indicate being the topic of conversation. Pay close attention to the intended meaning to select the correct phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "we were discussed" when you intend to say "we were discussing". The first makes you the object of the discussion, while the second indicates you were actively participating in it. "We were discussing the new project" is correct if you were part of the conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were discussed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that "we" are the recipients of the action of being discussed. Ludwig AI marks it as grammatically incorrect but provides examples where it is used. The phrase suggests that others are engaging in a conversation or analysis about the subject "we."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "we were discussed" may appear in writing, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. The intended meaning often dictates whether "we were discussing" (active participation) or a rephrased version of "we were discussed" (being the topic) is more appropriate. Its primary function is to convey that the speaker and others were the subject of a conversation or analysis, typically without their direct involvement. The neutral register and frequency in news sources suggest it's best used with careful attention to grammatical correctness and intended meaning. Always consider alternative phrasing to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were talking about

Focuses on the act of conversation or casual discussion involving the speaker and others.

we were considering

Suggests that the group was under evaluation or scrutiny.

we were analyzing

Emphasizes a detailed examination or assessment of the group's actions or characteristics.

we were reviewing

Implies a formal evaluation or assessment, often in a professional context.

we were examining

Indicates a careful and thorough investigation of the group's situation or behavior.

the topic was us

Simplifies the expression by stating directly that the group was the subject of the conversation.

we came up in conversation

Suggests a more indirect or casual mention of the group in a discussion.

our group was mentioned

Highlights the act of being named or referenced in a conversation or document.

people talked about us

Highlights that people outside the group discussed the group

we were on the agenda

Suggests a formal setting where the group was scheduled to be discussed.

FAQs

What is the difference between "we were discussed" and "we were discussing"?

"We were discussed" implies that you were the topic of the conversation, whereas "we were discussing" means you were actively participating in the conversation. Using "we were discussing" suggests involvement, while "we were discussed" positions you as the subject.

When is it appropriate to use "we were discussed"?

Use "we were discussed" when you want to emphasize that your group or its actions were the subject of a conversation or analysis conducted by others. For instance, "Our team's performance "we were discussed" in the board meeting".

Can I use a more active phrase instead of "we were discussed"?

Yes, you can rephrase it to highlight who was doing the discussing. For example, instead of ""we were discussed"", you could say "The committee discussed our proposal" or "The team analyzed our findings".

What are some alternative ways to say ""we were discussed"" to avoid passive voice?

You can use phrases like "they discussed us", "the focus was on us", or "we were the subject of their conversation". These options are clearer and more direct.