we were experiencing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were experiencing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing situation or feeling that was happening in the past. Example: "During the storm, we were experiencing strong winds and heavy rain that made it difficult to see."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We were experiencing a drop in students and a consequent drop in faculty members.

The New York Times - Arts

And yet no single place could really capture the extraordinary mix we were experiencing.

The New York Times - Travel

"It was brilliant in that we felt like we were experiencing it together," Ms. McCulloch said.

The New York Times - Tech

We got to convey every emotion we were experiencing in the moment which is what I hope everyone is doing.

The Guardian

But what we were experiencing in Lima was nothing compared with the unchecked violence in the Andes.

The New York Times

When Mark Thompson called Hird's sacking 'inevitable' last weekend, it was as if we were experiencing an echo.

The Guardian - Sport

In his view, and above all for women, "we were experiencing low-level September 11s every day".

The Guardian

Many Afghans felt that the US attack may mark the beginning of the end of the horror we were experiencing.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I knew that as a result of the incidents we were experiencing we needed to do something," he said.

The New York Times

We certainly got the feeling that we were experiencing a genuine live show and not a preprogrammed pop event.

The New York Times

"Did they know what we were experiencing on the front lines?" The women speak of having no oil to heat their homes in the dead of winter.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were experiencing" to describe collective feelings, situations, or changes occurring to a group. This can effectively convey a shared understanding or ordeal.

Common error

Avoid using "experiencing" when you mean "experimenting". "Experiencing" refers to undergoing a situation, while "experimenting" involves trying out new things or testing hypotheses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were experiencing" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It describes an ongoing action or state that a group was undergoing. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were experiencing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a past, ongoing situation or feeling shared by a group. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is valid in written English. It is most prevalent in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of collective experience rather than individual experimentation. Alternatives include "we underwent" or "we felt", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were going through

Highlights the process of enduring an event or situation.

we underwent

Focuses on the action of undergoing something, often implying a process or change.

we were in the midst of

Emphasizes being actively involved or surrounded by something.

we encountered

Highlights the unexpected or challenging nature of what was being experienced.

we felt

Emphasizes the emotional or sensory aspect of the experience.

we faced

Suggests a confrontation with difficulties or challenges.

we lived through

Implies surviving or enduring a difficult experience.

we were subject to

Indicates being affected by an external force or condition.

we witnessed

Focuses on observing or seeing something happen.

we observed

Stresses a careful or scientific observation of something.

FAQs

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

Use "we were experiencing" to describe something that your group or team was undergoing or feeling. For example, "We were experiencing technical difficulties during the presentation".

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

You can use alternatives like "we underwent", "we encountered", or "we felt" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we are experiencing" instead of "we were experiencing"?

Yes, "we are experiencing" is correct, but it refers to the present. "We were experiencing" refers to something that was happening in the past.

What is the difference between "we were experiencing" and "we had experienced"?

"We were experiencing" describes an ongoing situation in the past, while "we had experienced" describes a completed experience in the past. For example, "We were experiencing delays" versus "We had experienced delays before".