we were fighting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were fighting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an ongoing conflict or struggle that occurred in the past. Example: "During the meeting, we were fighting over the best approach to the project, and it got quite heated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We were fighting terrorists".

The New Yorker

"We were fighting for Allah.

The New York Times

"We were fighting," Outlaw said.

The New York Times - Sports

We were fighting even more".

The New York Times

We were fighting very bad people.

The New Yorker

We were fighting over the beard".

The New York Times

"I thought we were fighting for God.

The New Yorker

"We were fighting, we were scraping.

The New York Times - Sports

We were fighting all the time".

The New York Times

We were fighting a system, not individuals".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"[We] were fighting," she says.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were fighting", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what you were fighting against. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were fighting" without clearly establishing who "we" refers to. Ensure the audience understands who the collective subject is to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were fighting" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense, indicating an ongoing action of engaging in conflict. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were fighting" is a grammatically sound and very common way to describe a past conflict or struggle. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts. Primarily found in news and media, the phrase serves to describe ongoing conflicts, struggles, or battles in a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who "we" are and what "we" were fighting against to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "we were battling" or "we were struggling" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were battling

Replaces "fighting" with a synonym that suggests a more intense or prolonged conflict.

we were combating

Replaces "fighting" with a synonym often used for abstract conflicts, like combating disease.

we were clashing

Replaces "fighting" with a term suggesting a brief, intense confrontation.

we were contending

Substitutes "fighting" with a more formal term suggesting competition or rivalry.

we were locked in battle

Suggests a more formalized and intense engagement than simply fighting.

we were in conflict

A more general phrase indicating disagreement or opposition.

we were resisting

Emphasizes the act of withstanding or defending against something.

we were struggling

Indicates a difficult or challenging situation, similar to fighting but less aggressive.

we were opposing

Highlights the act of resisting or acting against something.

we were at war

Implies a state of open, armed conflict, more intense than general fighting.

FAQs

What does "we were fighting" mean?

The phrase "we were fighting" indicates that a group of people were engaged in a conflict or struggle in the past. This could refer to a physical fight, a war, or a metaphorical struggle.

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

You can use alternatives like "we were battling", "we were contending", or "we were struggling" depending on the context.

Is "we were fighting" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we were fighting" is grammatically correct. It uses the past continuous tense to describe an ongoing action in the past.

How to use "we were fighting" in a sentence?

You can use "we were fighting" to describe a past conflict. For example, "We were fighting for our rights" or "During the war, "we were fighting" against the enemy".