we were enduring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were enduring" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing hardship or difficulty over a period of time. Example: "During the storm, we were enduring the harsh winds and relentless rain, hoping for it to pass soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Yet because the baby didn't exist, it seemed as if we were enduring all the costs without any benefits of the experience.

The New York Times

We learned how to be together through the epic transitions we were enduring: I, coming out to my family (who have been mysteriously and lavishly accepting, breaking all stereotypes of how a Mexican-American family might respond) and everyone else; she, ending a relationship of more than a decade, the one I inadvertently had helped end.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We are enduring".

The Economist

"Day and night we are enduring attacks in Kabul".

The New York Times

This is especially true in periods of uncertainty like the one we are enduring now.

The New York Times

"This is a portrait of the terrible moment we're enduring".

The New York Times

But this week we are enduring a non-political political convention.

The New York Times

The pain we are enduring is unfathomable, and we grieve alongside families in the Ukraine, the Netherlands, Russia, Malaysia, Australia and elsewhere.

Independent

Yet still we are enduring one of the longest periods of depressed economic conditions in the 150 years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Walking through the west end of London does not make one feel that we are enduring a depression.By itself, a gain in confidence is a good thing.

The Economist

"Despite the fiscal difficulties that we are enduring," he said, the department "will not be impaired by decisions that are unwarranted due to strictly looking at the fiscal aspect.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were enduring" to convey a sense of perseverance through a challenging situation. It emphasizes the act of withstanding something difficult over a period of time.

Common error

The word "enduring" typically implies hardship. Avoid using it to describe positive or neutral experiences, as it can create a jarring or inappropriate tone. For instance, don't say "we were enduring a pleasant vacation"; instead, use "we were enjoying a pleasant vacation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were enduring" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a continuous action in the past. The verb "endure" describes the act of withstanding or tolerating something difficult or unpleasant. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were enduring" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe a group's experience of withstanding a difficult or challenging situation in the past. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. The analysis reveals its common usage in news and media contexts, where it often conveys a sense of perseverance through adversity. While the word "enduring" itself has a somewhat formal tone, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. When considering alternative phrasing, options like "we were experiencing" or "we were suffering" can offer nuanced ways to express the same idea. However, it's best to avoid using "enduring" in positively connotated situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were experiencing

Focuses on the act of undergoing something, similar to enduring.

we were undergoing

Highlights a process or transformation being experienced.

we were suffering

Emphasizes the negative impact or pain of the experience.

we were facing

Highlights the confrontation with a challenge or obstacle.

we were withstanding

Implies resisting or holding out against something difficult.

we were coping with

Focuses on the effort to manage or deal with a difficult situation.

we were grappling with

Suggests a struggle to understand or overcome a problem.

we were living through

Highlights the act of experiencing something significant or challenging over time.

we were going through

A more general way of saying we were experiencing something.

we were bearing

Suggests carrying or tolerating a burden.

FAQs

What does "we were enduring" mean?

The phrase "we were enduring" signifies that a group of people was experiencing and withstanding a difficult or challenging situation over a period of time.

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

You can use alternatives like "we were experiencing", "we were suffering", or "we were withstanding" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "we are enduring"?

Yes, "we are enduring" is grammatically correct. It indicates that the group is currently experiencing and withstanding a difficult situation.

What is the difference between "we were enduring" and "we have endured"?

"We were enduring" refers to a past situation that may or may not be ongoing, whereas "we have endured" suggests a past situation that has been completed, and the effects may still be felt.