we were having

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were having" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You could use it when talking about an activity that has already taken place and has been completed. For example: "We were having a great time until the thunderstorm started."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

We were having spaghetti.

The New York Times

We were having terrific fun.

The New Yorker

We were having fun, too".

The New York Times

"We were having lunch.

The Guardian

"We were having drinks.

The New Yorker

We were having a Greek eurozone crisis".

Independent

"There we were, having caviar before.

The New Yorker

We were having success," Gathitu said.

Independent

We were having a moment there".

The New Yorker

"We were having so much fun together".

The New York Times

We were having lunch in Northampton.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were having" to describe ongoing actions or experiences in the past. For example, "We were having a great time at the party when the music stopped."

Common error

Avoid using "we were having" to describe a future event. Instead, use "we will be having" or "we are going to have" for future scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were having" functions as a part of a verb phrase, indicating a continuous action in the past. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is commonly used to describe ongoing experiences, activities, or states in the past. For example, "We were having fun" or "We were having dinner".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were having" is a versatile phrase used to describe ongoing activities or experiences in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news and media. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Remember to use it to describe continuous past actions and avoid using it for future events. The related phrases and writing guidance provide further insights into its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we enjoyed

Focuses on the positive experience and enjoyment derived from an activity.

we experienced

Highlights the act of undergoing or encountering something.

we participated in

Emphasizes active involvement in an event or activity.

we were engaged in

Stresses active participation and involvement in an activity.

we were in the midst of

Indicates being in the middle of an activity or situation.

we undertook

Highlights the action of starting something

we were occupied with

Focuses on the state of being busy or engaged with something.

we shared

Emphasizes the communal aspect of experiencing something together.

we possessed

Highlights ownership or control of something.

we felt

Indicates an emotional or sensory experience.

FAQs

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

Use "we were having" to describe an ongoing activity or experience in the past. For example, "We were having dinner when the phone rang."

What are some alternatives to "we were having"?

You can use alternatives like "we enjoyed", "we experienced", or "we participated in" depending on the specific context.

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

Both are grammatically correct, but they refer to different time frames. "We are having" refers to the present, while "we were having" refers to the past.

What's the difference between "we were having" and "we had"?

"We were having" describes an ongoing or continuous action in the past, while "we had" describes a completed action or state. For example, "We were having a discussion" implies the discussion was in progress, while "we had a discussion" simply states that a discussion occurred.