we were exploring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were exploring" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an activity of investigation or discovery that took place in the past. Example: "During our vacation, we were exploring the ancient ruins and learning about the history of the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sure, my dad had worked on the project, but this was something our family did because we believed in exploration, whether we were exploring the surface of the moon or a jar of mold.

Huffington Post

"We were exploring," Ms. Cohen said.

The New York Times

"We were exploring notions of time.

The New York Times - Arts

"We were exploring exciting plans for programs that would be value-added for cultural development.

The New York Times

"We were exploring, and we thought it was better to be open about it," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

After stowing our gear, we were exploring Queenstown by early evening.

The New York Times - Travel

"What we were exploring, with the soundrama technique, was recreating the sounds of war," said Pankov.

The Guardian

"We felt like we were exploring the moon," he later wrote in the Whole Earth Review.

The Guardian

"Being able to lobby our Congressional and senatorial lawmakers was certainly something we were exploring".

The New York Times

"When we got back to New York, we were exploring the city anew," Ms. Schachter said.

The New York Times

"We were exploring the moment where you meet your parent as an adult and understand them as a real person.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were exploring" to describe a process of discovery, investigation, or consideration of different ideas and locations. Ensure the context clearly indicates the object or subject of the exploration.

Common error

Avoid using "we were exploring" with abstract concepts that don't lend themselves to exploration. For example, instead of saying "we were exploring the question", consider "we were discussing the question" or "we were analyzing the question".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were exploring" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action of investigating or discovering something. It describes a process undertaken by a group, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

24%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were exploring" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase to describe a past action of investigation or discovery. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It's primarily found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies what was being explored and avoid using it with abstract concepts that don't fit the notion of exploration. Consider alternatives like "we were investigating" or "we were studying" for greater precision in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were investigating

This alternative emphasizes a more formal and systematic examination.

we were examining

This alternative highlights a detailed inspection or analysis.

we were studying

This alternative suggests a focused effort to learn or understand something.

we were considering

This alternative implies a careful thought or deliberation about something.

we were analyzing

This alternative denotes a detailed and systematic analysis of something.

we were researching

This alternative indicates a systematic investigation to establish facts or principles.

we were checking out

This alternative is more informal and suggests a casual inspection.

we were looking into

This alternative means investigating or examining something.

we were delving into

This alternative emphasizes a deep and thorough exploration.

we were prospecting

This alternative suggests an exploration with the aim of finding something valuable.

FAQs

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

Use "we were exploring" to describe a past activity of investigation or discovery. For example, "During our vacation, "we were exploring" the ancient ruins and learning about the history of the area."

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

You can use alternatives like "we were investigating", "we were examining", or "we were studying" depending on the context.

Is "we were exploring" formal or informal?

"We were exploring" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language can influence the overall tone.

When is it inappropriate to use "we were exploring"?

Avoid using "we were exploring" when referring to things that cannot be physically explored or investigated. In such cases, consider using terms like "we were considering" or "we were analyzing" instead.