we were heading out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were heading out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group of people is in the process of leaving a place or starting a journey. Example: "As the sun began to set, we were heading out for our evening walk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

As we were heading out, we walked past the actual star of actual Scrubs.

Vice

As we were heading out, Justin took the shoes off his feet and gave them to a kid that didn't have any shoes for himself--quite an honorable gesture.

HuffPost

Soon we were heading out together, and slipping seamlessly from the formal "Lei" to the intimate "tu".

The New York Times

I was, you know, we'd rallied our family, and we were heading out to the State Capitol, which was right around the corner here from the Governor's Mansion.

The New York Times

We were heading out of the Tory conference hotel for dinner, when the prime minister hove up, and gave Steve a – fairly – friendly pat on the arm.

The Guardian

As we were heading out of town and back to Providence, I saw this beautiful turquoise blue, ginormous C-clamp just lying on the side of a suburban road.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

But we're heading out!

The New York Times

I park in my street and leave the sat-nav in place as we're heading out again shortly.

The Guardian

The message was clear enough: deliver the goods, and fast, or we're heading out, whether the job is finished or not.

Huffington Post

We're headed out to LEGO Land for the very first time.

Huffington Post

We were headed out to Dublin a few years ago to catch the band at Croke Park.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were heading out" to clearly indicate that a group was in the process of leaving or starting a journey. This phrase is suitable for narrative writing and informal communication.

Common error

Avoid using "we were heading out" in highly formal or professional documents. Opt for more formal alternatives like "we were departing" or "we were leaving" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were heading out" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action in progress in the past. It describes the act of a group of people departing or beginning a journey. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were heading out" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a group's departure or the beginning of a journey. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it's perfectly acceptable in news, narrative writing, and casual conversations, remember that more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "we were departing" or "we were leaving". Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase efficiently communicates the action of leaving a place or initiating a trip. Use it confidently in appropriate settings to convey a sense of movement and departure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were departing

Replaces "heading out" with a more formal synonym, focusing on the act of leaving.

we were leaving

A simpler and more direct alternative, indicating the act of going away from a place.

we were setting off

Suggests the beginning of a journey or trip, adding a sense of adventure.

we were starting out

Implies the commencement of a journey or activity, with an emphasis on the beginning.

we were on our way

Focuses on the progress of the journey, rather than the initial departure.

we were hitting the road

An informal phrase indicating the start of a road trip.

we were moving out

Can imply leaving a place permanently, such as moving from a house.

we were taking off

Often used for air travel, but can also mean leaving quickly.

we commenced our departure

A formal and somewhat redundant way of saying "we were heading out".

we began our journey

Emphasizes the start of a longer trip or adventure.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we were heading out"?

You can use alternatives like "we were leaving", "we were departing", or "we were setting off" depending on the context.

Is "we were heading out" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we were heading out" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English to indicate that a group was in the process of leaving a place or starting a journey.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "we were heading out"?

It is appropriate to use "we were heading out" in informal conversations, narrative writing, or when describing a departure in a casual manner. It might be less suitable for very formal or professional contexts.

Are there any connotations associated with the phrase "we were heading out"?

The phrase "we were heading out" generally carries a neutral connotation. It simply describes the act of leaving or starting a journey. However, the context can influence the perceived tone. For example, it can sound informal and friendly.