we were hanging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were hanging" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe spending time with someone in a casual or relaxed manner. Example: "Last weekend, we were hanging at the park, enjoying the sunny weather and chatting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We were hanging around.

The New York Times - Sports

We were hanging on there.

The Guardian - Sport

"We were hanging on by our toenails".

The Guardian - Sport

We were hanging out and drinking at that time.

The New York Times - Food

He just lived in the building we were hanging round.

The Guardian - Film

Yesterday we were hanging a plasma screen on the wall of the cutting room in Liverpool.

The Guardian - Film

We made a date immediately and soon we were hanging out all the time".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

We're hanging in.

The New York Times

We're hanging in there.

The New York Times - Sports

"We are hanging out," she replies.

The New York Times - Arts

"But we're hanging tough".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were hanging" to convey a sense of casual and informal interaction. It implies spending time together without necessarily engaging in specific activities. Ensure the context aligns with this relaxed tone.

Common error

Avoid using "we were hanging" in formal or professional settings. Opt for more appropriate phrases like "we were collaborating" or "we were discussing" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we were hanging" is to describe an ongoing action in the past, indicating that a group of people were spending time together. Ludwig AI validates the proper use of the phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were hanging" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe spending time together in an informal setting. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various sources. While highly suitable for casual conversation and informal writing, remember to opt for more formal alternatives in professional or academic contexts to maintain an appropriate tone. When looking for a semantically similar and interchangeable form, consider alternatives like "we were spending time" or "we were chilling".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were spending time

Emphasizes the act of allocating time together, removing any implications of specific activities.

we were chilling

Implies a relaxed and casual atmosphere while spending time together.

we were kicking back

Suggests a more informal and relaxed way of spending time together, often involving leisure activities.

we were just relaxing

Highlights the intention to unwind and be at ease in each other's company.

we were loafing around

Describes a lazy and idle way of spending time together, with little to no planned activities.

we were idling

Focuses on inactivity and lack of purpose while spending time together.

we were loitering

Suggests lingering in a place, sometimes with a slightly negative connotation if the location is inappropriate.

we were whiling away the hours

Indicates passing time in a pleasant or leisurely manner.

we were passing time

A general way of saying that time was spent, without specifying the activities.

we were in each other's company

Highlights the presence of each other, without specifying the nature of the interaction.

FAQs

What does "we were hanging" mean?

The phrase "we were hanging" generally means that people were spending time together in a casual or relaxed manner. It suggests a non-structured, informal interaction.

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

You can use alternatives like "we were spending time", "we were chilling", or "we were just relaxing" depending on the context.

Is "we were hanging" appropriate in formal writing?

No, "we were hanging" is generally not appropriate for formal writing. Use more formal alternatives like "we were meeting", "we were conferring", or "we were in conference".

How does "we were hanging out" differ from "we were hanging around"?

"We were hanging out" typically suggests a more intentional and enjoyable time spent together. "We were hanging around" can imply aimlessness or loitering, although both are generally informal.