we were heading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were heading" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example: "We were heading for the park when it suddenly started to rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We were heading back for the ship.

The Telegraph

We were heading for a press conference.

The Guardian

On the outward trip we were heading upstream.

The New York Times - Travel

Well, here in Brooklyn, baby, we were heading south.

The New York Times

Speculation was rife about where we were heading.

The Guardian

We were heading north, looking for the Olympics.

The New Yorker

We were heading down a nearly empty street.

The New York Times

In her opinion, we were heading to the wild frontier".

The New York Times

We both knew we were heading down life's path together".

The New York Times

We were heading toward marriage, but I'm not sure I realized it, even then.

University of Pennsylvania

"Eve had just given this incredible talk and we were heading to a reception," Shatz said.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were heading" to clearly indicate a direction or intended destination. For instance, "We were heading to the meeting when we got a flat tire" is more direct than "We were going to the meeting when...".

Common error

Ensure the context makes the destination clear. Saying "We were heading out" without specifying where you're going can confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were heading" functions as a verb phrase indicating movement or direction. It typically consists of the pronoun 'we', the past continuous form of the verb 'to be' ('were'), and the gerund 'heading', often followed by a preposition indicating the destination or direction. Ludwig shows that it is often used to describe ongoing movement toward a specific place or goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

12%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were heading" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the direction or destination of a group's movement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use in various contexts. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Academia, and its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Remember to specify the destination or direction to avoid ambiguity, and consider using alternatives like "we were proceeding" or "we were en route to" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were on our way to

This is a common and informal way to express movement towards a destination.

we were en route to

This phrase is slightly more formal and specifically indicates that the subject is on a planned journey to a particular destination.

we were bound for

This phrase implies a fixed destination and a determined course of travel.

we were moving toward

This phrase emphasizes the direction of movement, highlighting the destination or target.

we were proceeding

This alternative suggests a more formal and deliberate movement, implying a planned progression.

we were advancing toward

This alternative conveys a sense of progress and forward motion, often used in more formal contexts.

we were setting out for

This emphasizes the beginning of a journey towards a specific place.

we were making our way to

This suggests a more deliberate effort to reach a destination, possibly involving overcoming obstacles.

we were making progress toward

This alternative underlines the forward movement and achievement of reaching closer to a final destination.

we were directing ourselves toward

A more formal alternative to indicate deliberate movement in a specific direction.

FAQs

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

Use "we were heading" to indicate the direction or destination of a group. For example, "We were heading home after the concert" or "We were heading towards a solution to the problem".

What's a more formal way to say "we were heading"?

More formal alternatives include phrases like "we were proceeding", "we were en route to", or "we were advancing toward", depending on the specific context.

Is "we were heading to" different from "we were heading towards"?

"We were heading to" implies a specific destination, while "we were heading towards" suggests a general direction or goal. For example, "We were heading to the store" versus "We were heading towards a better understanding".

What can I say instead of "we were heading" to imply a determined course?

If you want to emphasize a determined course, you could use phrases like "we were bound for" or "we were setting out for" to convey a stronger sense of purpose.