we were meandering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were meandering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a leisurely or aimless movement or wandering, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "As we were meandering through the park, we stumbled upon a hidden garden filled with beautiful flowers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Now heading east as well as south and back on little local roads, we were meandering through undulating pasture when we saw a tiny caravan of beautiful old horse-drawn Gypsy carts parked up by the side of the road, three or four families hanging out their washing and feeding their steeds, their kids playing football in a field.

The Guardian - Travel

Before long, we were meandering through rows of historic documents on shelves with labels like "Sierra Leone Arms Investigation", "Compensation of victims of Nazi persecution case files" and "Sir Winston Churchill's Messages of Sympathy".

Vice

Before long, we were meandering through rows of historic documents on shelves with labels like "Sierra Leone Arms Investigation," "Compensation of victims of Nazi persecution case files," and "Sir Winston Churchill's Messages of Sympathy".

Vice

We were meandering Claire Redfield through a concrete car park in the game, outside the main building – which is always a relief in Resident Evil games, because even though zombie dogs are often out there, there's less of a sense of claustrophobia; a sense that even if you do die out in the open, at least someone might find your remains eventually.

Vice

We were meandering Claire Redfield through a concrete parking lot in the game, outside the main building which is always a relief in Resident Evil games, because even though zombie dogs are often out there, there's less of a sense of claustrophobia, a sense that even if you do die out in the open, at least someone might find your remains eventually.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In the middle of a gentle ramble about "heart-shaped" things, Aldersey-Williams gets distracted by the use of other bits of anatomy to describe shape, and suddenly we're meandering off around kidney-shaped pools, embryo kidneys and kidney transplants.

The Guardian - Books

He also said that he knew how to find the road out of Magdagachi; but after he had fuelled up he drove off without waiting for us, and when we tried to make our way by the directions the fuel-station man gave us we soon were meandering on roads and non-roads in Magdagachi.

The New Yorker

Sometimes his shows were meandering, ending with him collapsing onstage.

The New York Times - Arts

We have been meandering towards something like this for years, lost in a masquerade that we've come to regard as political debate.

Huffington Post

This is Sunday, so a lot of people are meandering around, looking for the human interaction we simply cannot find with social media, you know?

Huffington Post

He was meandering about.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were meandering" to create a sense of relaxed, unhurried movement or exploration. It's particularly effective in descriptive writing to evoke a sense of place and atmosphere.

Common error

Avoid using "we were meandering" in highly formal or professional writing where a more direct and purposeful verb might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "we proceeded" or "we explored" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were meandering" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of action. It describes a continuous, typically leisurely or aimless movement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were meandering" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe a leisurely or aimless movement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It’s best suited for descriptive writing, particularly when you want to evoke a sense of relaxed exploration rather than a direct, purposeful journey. While versatile, it's less appropriate for highly formal or professional contexts where a more direct verb choice might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "we were strolling" or "we were wandering" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were strolling

This alternative suggests a relaxed and unhurried walk, focusing on enjoyment.

we were wandering

This alternative emphasizes a lack of specific direction or purpose in the movement.

we were rambling

This alternative suggests a leisurely walk, often in the countryside.

we were drifting

This alternative implies a passive movement, often influenced by external forces or a lack of clear direction.

we were sauntering

This alternative suggests a slow and relaxed pace, often with an air of nonchalance.

we were ambling

This alternative implies a leisurely and unhurried walk, often without a specific destination.

we were perusing

This alternative suggests a slow and careful examination, often while walking or browsing.

we were exploring

This alternative emphasizes the act of discovering new places or things during the movement.

we were traipsing

This alternative suggests a somewhat aimless or tiring walk, often over rough ground.

we were gallivanting

This alternative implies a carefree and playful wandering, often for pleasure or amusement.

FAQs

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

Use "we were meandering" to describe a leisurely walk or journey, often without a specific destination. For example, "We were meandering through the old town, enjoying the sights and sounds."

What's a good alternative to "we were meandering"?

Alternatives include "we were strolling", "we were wandering", or "we were rambling", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "we were meandering" formal or informal?

"We were meandering" leans towards informal and descriptive writing. In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "we proceeded" or "we advanced".

What does "meandering" emphasize in the phrase "we were meandering"?

"Meandering" emphasizes the lack of a direct route or purpose, suggesting a relaxed and unhurried pace. It highlights the journey rather than the destination.