we were existing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were existing" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being or living, often in a context where existence is emphasized rather than thriving or flourishing. Example: "In those difficult times, we were existing rather than truly living, just going through the motions each day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Last year we were existing on the bare essentials".

The Guardian

As a result – and this is not to say we were existing below or anywhere near the poverty line – there was never a lot of money floating around.

Independent

That was the path that we were existing with.

Huffington Post

We were existing in some sort of halfway space ourselves.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is a comparable policy and there is a discount because we are existing customers.

The Guardian - Money

"You know, we're not a rock band, but we're existing in a world where rock is still king".

The Guardian - Music

The problem is we are existing in an economy that is set up to create bubbles and more troubles, and it's doomed to fail.

The Guardian

We are existing in times where we are constantly pushing boundaries of ourselves, nature and technology … I think these are the stories of our times, and I will continue to explore them in my work".

The Guardian - Film

Right now, we're existing as a licensed product to an existing trust company," he explains.

TechCrunch

We are trying to have a dialogue but we are existing in different art forms".

Huffington Post

Often when we get lost in worrying about what everyone else thinks it's because we're existing in a state of perpetual comparison.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were existing" to emphasize a basic state of being, particularly when contrasting it with a more active or fulfilling way of life. It's useful when highlighting minimal activity or a lack of progress.

Common error

Avoid using "we were existing" when a more specific verb like "living", "thriving", or "struggling" would provide a clearer and more vivid picture. Be mindful of the context and choose the verb that best conveys the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were existing" functions as a verb phrase describing a state of being. It often implies a state of minimal activity or survival, rather than thriving. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it highlights the state of being over the action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were existing" is a grammatically correct but relatively rare verb phrase used to describe a state of minimal being or survival. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for contexts where you want to emphasize a basic state of existence rather than a more active or fulfilling life. While sources like The Guardian and Huffington Post use the phrase, it's important to consider whether a more descriptive verb might be more appropriate. Alternatives such as "we were living" or "we were surviving" might offer a more nuanced depiction depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were living

Focuses on the active experience of life, differing from merely existing.

we were surviving

Emphasizes overcoming hardship and basic survival needs.

we were subsisting

Highlights living on minimal resources or support.

we were just getting by

Indicates managing to live but without comfort or excess.

we were in a state of being

More philosophical and abstract, referring to a condition rather than an action.

we were merely present

Emphasizes physical presence without active participation or engagement.

we were maintaining ourselves

Highlights the effort required to sustain life or a certain condition.

we were only present

Underscores the lack of active engagement or participation.

we were in limbo

Implies a state of uncertainty and transition, lacking clear direction.

we were vegetating

Suggests a passive and inactive state, often lacking purpose or stimulation.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were existing" to describe a situation where life was reduced to bare essentials or a state of minimal activity. For example, "During the economic downturn, "we were existing" on a tight budget".

What's a more common alternative to "we were existing"?

More common alternatives include "we were living", "we were surviving", or "we were getting by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "we were existing" instead of "we were living"?

"We were existing" is best used when you want to emphasize a lack of active engagement or a diminished quality of life, while "we were living" implies a more active and fulfilling experience.

Is "we were existing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we were existing" is grammatically correct, but it's not as frequently used as other similar phrases. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English to describe a state of being or living.