we were just talking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were just talking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a recent conversation or discussion that took place, often to provide context or continuity in dialogue. Example: "I didn't mean to interrupt, but we were just talking about the new project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And we were just talking logistics.

The New Yorker

And we were just talking as friends.

The New York Times

We were just talking about you.

The Guardian - Music

We were just talking about her".

The New Yorker

"We were just talking about it, we don't like it".

The New Yorker

The door was open and we were just talking.

The New York Times - Magazine

This ties directly to what we were just talking about.

The Guardian - Business

"You know what we were just talking about?" Piasecki said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

We're just talking".

The New Yorker

Otherwise we are just talking.

Yale University

We're just talking about ordinary food".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were just talking" to smoothly transition into a topic already under discussion, creating a sense of continuity in conversations or writing. This phrase helps to contextualize subsequent statements and avoid abrupt topic shifts.

Common error

While "we were just talking" is perfectly acceptable in informal settings, it can sound too casual in formal writing or presentations. Opt for phrases like "we were discussing" or "we engaged in a conversation regarding" /s/we+engaged+in+a+conversation+regarding in such situations to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were just talking" functions as a conversational filler or a transitional phrase. It often introduces a topic that was already being discussed, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples that show its use in various media contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were just talking" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to indicate a recent or ongoing conversation. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English, frequently appearing in news, media, and academic contexts. While versatile, remember to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives like "we were discussing" in professional settings. Use it to smoothly introduce topics or provide context, ensuring a cohesive flow in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were simply discussing

Replaces "just talking" with "simply discussing", implying a slightly more formal or focused conversation.

we were having a conversation

A more general and neutral alternative to "we were just talking".

we were merely conversing

Substitutes "just talking" with "merely conversing", suggesting a casual and perhaps unimportant exchange.

we had been talking about

Shifts the focus to the topic of conversation, emphasizing its importance.

we were in the middle of a discussion

Indicates the conversation was ongoing and perhaps interrupted, adding a sense of immediacy.

we happened to be chatting

Replaces "just talking" with "happened to be chatting", emphasizing the accidental or spontaneous nature of the conversation.

we were only speaking

Highlights the act of speaking, suggesting the absence of any further action or intention.

we were touching on the subject of

Implies the conversation involved briefly mentioning a topic without going into great detail.

we were exchanging words about

Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the conversation, suggesting an exchange of ideas or information.

we engaged in a discussion regarding

Presents the conversation in a formal way by changing "we were just talking" to "we engaged in a discussion regarding".

FAQs

How can I use "we were just talking" in a sentence?

You can use "we were just talking" to refer to a recent conversation. For example, "I didn't mean to interrupt, we were just talking about the upcoming conference."

What is a more formal alternative to "we were just talking"?

In more formal contexts, you might consider using alternatives such as "we were discussing" or "we were in the process of discussing."

Is it grammatically correct to say "we was just talking"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "we were just talking". The verb 'were' is used with the pronoun 'we'.

What's the difference between "we were talking" and "we were just talking"?

"We were talking" is a general statement about a past conversation. Adding "just" emphasizes the recency or casual nature of the discussion. Consider that "we were discussing" can be interchangeable in a more formal situation.