we were flying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were flying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that was happening in the past, typically in a narrative or storytelling context. Example: "As we were flying over the mountains, the view took our breath away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We were flying in.

The Guardian

We were flying drones.

The Guardian - Opinion

We thought we were flying.

The New York Times

"I thought we were flying".

The New York Times

We were flying around the moon.

The New Yorker

"We were flying in that first period.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were flying on Air Force One," Kissinger told me.

The New Yorker

By midnight, we were flying back to Paris.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We were flying high," cornerback Darrelle Revis said.

The New York Times - Sports

'We were flying Sir Lancelots,' one rueful pilot muses.

The Guardian - Film

But, yes, when we were flying we were frightened".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were flying", ensure the context clearly indicates the means of flight, whether it's in an airplane, using a metaphorical sense of speed, or another means of flight. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were flying" in contexts where the meaning is unclear or could be misinterpreted. Ensure the surrounding text provides enough context for the reader to understand if you are referring to actual flight or a metaphorical sense of elevation or excitement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were flying" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. Ludwig shows it describes an ongoing action in the past, typically indicating travel by air or, metaphorically, a state of excitement or rapid progress. The auxiliary verb "were" and the participle "flying" work together to convey this action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were flying" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase in the past continuous tense, used to describe an ongoing action in the past. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it primarily functions to narrate or describe past experiences, often related to air travel or, metaphorically, a state of excitement or rapid progress. According to Ludwig, the phrase is widely used in News & Media and Academic contexts. While the phrase itself is generally neutral in register, ensuring contextual clarity is crucial, especially when used metaphorically. Overall, "we were flying" is a versatile and reliable phrase for conveying past experiences and ongoing actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were airborne

Synonymous; emphasizes the state of being in the air.

we were in flight

Synonymous; formal and descriptive of being in the process of flying.

we were soaring

Suggests a graceful and effortless flight, often used metaphorically.

we took to the skies

Emphasizes the beginning of the flight or journey.

we were traveling by air

Highlights the mode of transportation as being via aircraft.

we were gliding

Implies a smooth and continuous descent or movement through the air.

we were on the plane

Refers to being inside an aircraft, often less focused on the act of flying itself.

we were piloting

Indicates that someone in the group was controlling the aircraft.

we were sky high

Suggests a state of euphoria or excitement, metaphorically linking to the experience of flying.

we felt weightless

Describes the sensation of floating or being without gravity, a common experience during flight.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were flying" to describe a past action of traveling by air, for example, "We were flying to Paris when the turbulence started". It can also be used metaphorically to describe a feeling of excitement or success.

What are some alternatives to "we were flying"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "we were airborne", "we were soaring", or "we were in flight".

Is it correct to say "we was flying" instead of "we were flying"?

No, "we was flying" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "we were flying", as "were" is the past tense plural form of the verb "to be".

How does the meaning of "we were flying" change in different contexts?

In a literal context, "we were flying" refers to air travel. Metaphorically, it can mean experiencing a high level of excitement, success, or speed. For instance, "we were flying high" after closing the deal indicates great success.