we were discussing

USAGE SUMMARY

"We were discussing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about something that happened in the past that involved talking with someone. For example: "We were discussing the plans for the upcoming family reunion when my brother suggested an outdoor picnic at the nearby park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We were discussing the weather.

Independent

"We were discussing cricket".

The Guardian - Film

"We were discussing the fish," Audie said.

The New Yorker

Told what we were discussing, he laughed.

The Guardian

Last week we were discussing late Marxist theory.

Independent

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

The Guardian - Film

We were discussing race relations in the United States.

Harvard Business Review

We were discussing what makes a good parent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We were discussing its possible use in the paper.

The Guardian

We were discussing how to do that scene.

The Guardian - Film

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to introduce a topic that has already been brought up or needs to be clarified. This helps to connect ideas and maintain a logical flow in your writing or speech.

Common error

While "we were discussing" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in highly formal writing where more precise language might be preferred. Alternatives like "we considered" or "we analyzed" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were discussing" functions as an introductory clause or part of a sentence setting the stage for a specific topic. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"We were discussing" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to introduce a topic previously under consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It functions to provide context and set the stage for subsequent statements, finding frequent use in news, media, academic, and formal business settings. While generally neutral, more precise alternatives may be preferable in extremely formal writing. When using this phrase, make sure the context makes clear the group referred to by "we", ensuring the highest clarity for your audience. "We were discussing" serves as a reliable way to frame a conversation and cue listeners or readers into a related subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were talking about

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes the act of talking rather than a structured discussion.

we were considering

This alternative implies a more formal and thoughtful approach to the topic at hand.

we were exploring

This alternative suggests a deeper dive into the subject matter, implying research and analysis.

we were examining

This alternative indicates a closer, more detailed inspection of the topic.

we were analyzing

This alternative suggests a structured and systematic approach to understanding the subject.

we were debating

This alternative highlights a difference of opinion and an active exchange of arguments.

we touched on

This is a more concise way of saying you briefly talked about a specific topic.

the topic of conversation was

This alternative shifts the focus to the topic itself, rather than the act of discussing it.

our conversation revolved around

This alternative emphasizes the central theme of the discussion.

the subject under consideration was

This alternative is very formal and suitable for academic or professional contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were discussing" to introduce a topic that was previously under consideration. For example, "We were discussing the budget and decided to allocate more funds to marketing."

What are some alternatives to "we were discussing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "we considered", "we analyzed", or "we talked about" to express a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "we were discussing" in formal writing?

While "we were discussing" is generally acceptable, in highly formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives like "we considered" or "the committee reviewed" for greater clarity.

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

"We were discussing" implies an ongoing or incomplete discussion, while "we discussed" suggests a completed discussion. For example, "We were discussing the project when the meeting ended" versus "We discussed the project and reached a consensus."