we were examining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were examining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a past action of investigating or analyzing something. Example: "During our research, we were examining the effects of climate change on local wildlife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

We were examining the hard neck.

The New Yorker

As we were examining them, they had another stroke.

The Guardian

That was a very enjoyable bit of litigation simply because we were examining some very unusual facts.

The Guardian

We were examining the legal papers conveying to someone else a piece of northern woodland which had once been important to us.

The New Yorker

These are two communities that have never come together and, like a first date, we were examining each other and building some trust.

The New York Times

Fridoun explained what had caused each piece of devastation, and after a while it seemed as though we were examining the city the way one assesses the age of a dead tree by counting the rings in its stump.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

We were examined by a doctor.

The New York Times - Magazine

"So we're examining".

The New York Times

"We're examining our options".

The New York Times

We're examining that issue".

The Guardian - Business

"We're examining all our options".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were examining" when you want to convey that a group was carefully and methodically looking into something in the past. Ensure that the context clearly indicates what was being examined and the purpose of the examination.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions when using "we were examining". For example, instead of saying "The data was being examined by us", opt for the more direct and active "We were examining the data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were examining" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past continuous action. It typically introduces a description of an activity involving scrutiny or detailed investigation. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were examining" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a past action of investigating or analyzing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and appears frequently in various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While "we were examining" is quite versatile, more specific alternatives like "we were investigating" or "we were analyzing" might better suit particular situations. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to maintain an active voice and ensure clarity in specifying the object of examination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were investigating

Emphasizes a more formal or systematic inquiry, often implying a search for facts or truth.

we were researching

Emphasizes a systematic investigation to discover or revise facts, theories, etc.

we were analyzing

Focuses on breaking down a subject into its components to understand its structure or function.

we were studying

Implies a more academic or educational approach, focusing on learning and understanding.

we were reviewing

Suggests a careful assessment or evaluation, often of existing information or practices.

we were scrutinizing

Implies a very careful and critical examination, often to detect flaws or errors.

we were inspecting

Highlights a close and detailed visual examination, often for quality control or safety.

we were assessing

Focuses on evaluating the value, importance, or quality of something.

we were exploring

Suggests a broader, less structured inquiry, often involving discovery and experimentation.

we were checking

Highlights a quick verification to ensure accuracy or compliance.

FAQs

What is the difference between "we were examining" and "we were investigating"?

While both phrases imply a detailed look into something, "we were examining" suggests a more general, analytical approach. "We were investigating", on the other hand, implies a more formal or structured inquiry, often with the goal of uncovering specific facts or evidence. Consider using "we were investigating" when the context involves a search for truth or resolution of a problem.

Are there synonyms for "we were examining" that I can use in formal writing?

Yes, in formal writing, you can use phrases such as "we were analyzing" or "we were scrutinizing" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express.

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

You can use "we were examining" to describe a past action of carefully looking into something. For example, "During the experiment, we were examining the effects of different variables on the outcome." Ensure the sentence clearly indicates the subject of the examination and the context.

What are some alternatives to "we were examining" for less formal situations?

In less formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "we were checking" or "we were looking at". These options provide a more casual and approachable tone while still conveying the idea of investigating something.