we were engaged in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were engaged in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe participation or involvement in an activity or task. Example: "During the meeting, we were engaged in a lively discussion about the new project proposals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"We were engaged in a game of cat and mouse".

The New York Times

This was when we were engaged in research-like activity with other students and with staff.

The Guardian

Many of us had not yet truly realised what we were engaged in; what the country was engaged in.

The Guardian - Books

Then came the coup, and then the counter-coup and soon after we were engaged in civil war".

The Guardian

I thought that we were engaged in a bright and powerful project for our country, our homeland".

The New Yorker

While we didn't speak, we were engaged in a dialogue over this plan and we understood each other perfectly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

We are engaged in negotiations to nowhere.

The New York Times

"Yes, we are engaged in combat operations.

The Guardian

That's what we're engaged in.

The Guardian

"We're engaged in a grand experiment".

The New Yorker

We are engaged in active discussions with the British government.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were engaged in" to clearly express your participation or involvement in a specific activity, ensuring the context is well-defined. For example, "We were engaged in a research project focusing on climate change."

Common error

Avoid using "we were engaged in" when a more direct and active voice would be clearer and more concise. For instance, instead of saying "The negotiations we were engaged in failed", consider "Our negotiations failed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were engaged in" functions as a verbal phrase indicating active participation or involvement in a particular activity, process, or situation. It describes what actions were being undertaken or what state of involvement existed, as illustrated by Ludwig in examples like "we were engaged in negotiations" or "we were engaged in political dialogue".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were engaged in" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe participation or involvement in an activity or situation. As verified by Ludwig, it effectively conveys active roles in negotiations, discussions, or conflicts. With a neutral to professional register, this phrase is often found in news articles, scientific papers, and business reports. While many sources on Ludwig showcase its versatility, remember to choose it carefully over more direct alternatives to maintain clarity and avoid passive voice. Considering alternatives like "we participated in" or "we were involved in" can further refine your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we participated in

Emphasizes active involvement in an activity or event.

we were involved in

Highlights a connection or association with something.

we took part in

Focuses on the action of participating.

we were occupied with

Implies being busy or having one's attention directed towards something.

we were immersed in

Suggests deep involvement and absorption in something.

we dedicated ourselves to

Emphasizes commitment and effort.

we devoted our time to

Highlights the investment of time in a particular activity.

we were caught up in

Suggests being swept away or heavily involved, sometimes unexpectedly.

we were consumed by

Indicates being completely engrossed or preoccupied.

we were active in

Highlights a role or activity in a particular area or domain.

FAQs

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

Use "we were engaged in" to describe your participation or involvement in an activity or situation. For example, "We were engaged in a discussion about the company's future strategy" or "We were engaged in a conflict resolution process".

What are some alternatives to "we were engaged in"?

Alternatives include phrases like "we participated in", "we were involved in", or "we took part in", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "we were engaging in" grammatically correct instead of "we were engaged in"?

While "we were engaging in" is also grammatically correct, it emphasizes the ongoing process of becoming involved, whereas "we were engaged in" often describes a state of being involved or a completed action. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the process or the state.

How does the formality of "we were engaged in" compare to its alternatives?

"We were engaged in" is generally neutral to formal. Alternatives like "we were caught up in" might be considered less formal, while "we dedicated ourselves to" might convey a stronger sense of commitment and formality.