we were leaving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we were leaving' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referencing the action of leaving, or departing, from a particular location. For example, "We were leaving the party when I saw them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We were leaving the next morning.

The New York Times - Travel

First, we were leaving in 2011.

The New York Times

"We were told we were leaving today.

The Guardian

"They had to know we were leaving.

The Guardian

No one told Rose's mother that we were leaving.

The New Yorker

We were leaving for a three-week Turkish driving vacation.

The New York Times - Travel

And when we were leaving, I thought: 'This is terrible.

The New York Times

We were leaving first thing in the morning.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"We were left to die.

Independent

We were left alone.

The New York Times - Magazine

We were left alive.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were leaving" to describe an ongoing action of departing from a specific location or situation. It indicates a process rather than a completed act.

Common error

Avoid using "we were leaving" when you mean to say "we left". The former emphasizes the process of leaving, while the latter indicates a completed departure. Choose the tense that best fits the context of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were leaving" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past continuous action. It describes the process of departure from a location or situation. Ludwig provides various examples where this phrase is used to narrate events in progress.

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 leaving" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the ongoing action of departing from a place or situation. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When writing, remember that this phrase emphasizes the process of leaving, unlike "we left", which signifies a completed action. Understanding this distinction ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were departing

Emphasizes a more formal or scheduled act of leaving.

we were heading out

Suggests a casual and less planned departure.

we were setting off

Implies the beginning of a journey or trip.

we were going away

Focuses on leaving for a period of time, often for a vacation or trip.

we were moving on

Indicates leaving a situation or topic behind to progress to something new.

we were exiting

Highlights the action of physically leaving a place.

we were pulling out

Suggests a more abrupt or forceful departure.

we were clearing out

Implies removing possessions while leaving a place.

we were vacating

Formally indicates leaving a property or space.

we were discharging

Highlights a structured, official evacuation or letting go of something.

FAQs

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

Use "we were leaving" to describe an action in progress. For instance, "We were leaving the party when it started to rain."

What's the difference between "we were leaving" and "we left"?

"We were leaving" indicates a continuous action of departing, while "we left" implies a completed action. For example, "We were leaving" suggests the process, whereas "We left" confirms the departure.

Are there alternatives to using "we were leaving"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "we were departing", "we were heading out", or "we were exiting".

Is "we were leaving" formal or informal?

The phrase "we were leaving" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its formality depends more on the surrounding language and situation.