we were investigating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were investigating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an ongoing or past inquiry or examination into a particular subject or situation. Example: "During the last few weeks, we were investigating the causes of the recent data breach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We were investigating the feel-good story".

The New York Times

"We were investigating opportunities," he said.

The New York Times

We were investigating something very seriously.

The New York Times - Arts

"In terms of being close to News International, we were investigating them.

The Guardian

Last Tuesday, September 2, we disclosed that we were investigating a possible breach of our payment data systems.

The Guardian - Tech

"We were investigating why so many comedians are Jewish and so many Jewish jokes are so self-accusing".

The New York Times

We were investigating the plight of horse carriage drivers from the Dalit caste – the lowest and most discriminated against caste in India.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We are investigating aggressively".

The New York Times

"We're investigating it.

The New York Times

"We are investigating".

The New York Times

He added: "We're investigating.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were investigating" when you want to clearly state that a formal inquiry or examination took place. Ensure the context provides enough information about the subject and scope of the investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "we were investigating" when a more direct, active voice would be more impactful. For example, instead of "The issue was investigated by us", consider "We investigated the issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were investigating" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action of inquiry or examination. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used. The examples show it in contexts ranging from news reports to scientific studies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were investigating" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a past inquiry or examination. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Appearing commonly in news, media and scientific contexts, this phrase serves to inform about an inquiry conducted by the speaker or a represented group. While alternatives such as "we were examining" or "we were looking into" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines the investigation's subject and scope, and consider whether an active voice might be more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were examining

Focuses more on a detailed inspection or observation.

we were exploring

Suggests a broader, less structured inquiry.

we were probing

Implies a deeper, more intrusive investigation.

we were analyzing

Highlights the process of breaking down a subject into its components for study.

we were checking into

Indicates a preliminary investigation or verification.

we were looking into

A more casual way of saying 'investigating'.

we were researching

Emphasizes a systematic study of a topic.

we were studying

Implies a formal or academic investigation.

we were inquiring into

Suggests a formal or official investigation.

we were scrutinizing

Implies a very careful and critical examination.

FAQs

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

Use "we were investigating" to describe a past action of inquiry or examination, such as: "We were investigating reports of fraudulent activity" or "We were investigating the cause of the system failure".

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

You can use alternatives like "we were examining", "we were exploring", or "we were looking into" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "we investigated" or "we were investigating"?

Both are grammatically correct. "We investigated" is simpler and more direct, while "we were investigating" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the inquiry at a particular time.

What's the difference between "we were investigating" and "we were researching"?

"We were investigating" implies a specific inquiry, often into a problem or incident. "We were researching" suggests a broader, more academic study of a topic.