we were not operating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were not operating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a certain operation or activity was not taking place at a specific time in the past. Example: "Due to the severe weather conditions, we were not operating during the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We were not operating clandestinely," she added.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We weren't operating from a position of political weakness with respect to public opinion.

The New York Times

We weren't operating with the plane in our hands on day one.

The New York Times

When we weren't operating the puppets, we'd be like monkeys backstage, giving each other back, shoulder and neck massages.

The Guardian

"When we first started, we weren't operating on a shoestring, we were operating on dental floss," said Joseph P. Gittleman, a U.S.D.A. official who has overseen New York City's eradication efforts practically from the start.

The New York Times

Soon Clements's involvement became known, and asked by reporters if he had lied, he remarked that "Well, we weren't operating, like on Inauguration Day, with a Bible".

Independent

"So we're not operating," she said.

The New Yorker

We're not operating in a vacuum.

The New York Times

We are not operating at full capacity".

The Guardian

"We are not operating, and cannot operate, under the pre-September 11 Design Basis Threat.

The New York Times

The reality is we're not operating in every country today.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were not operating", ensure that the context clearly indicates what 'we' refers to and what specific operation was not taking place for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were not operating" without specifying the scope of operations. Always clarify what wasn't functioning to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were not operating" functions as a statement indicating that an entity was not performing its intended function at a certain time. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were not operating" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a state of inactivity or non-functionality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from news reports to technical explanations. Usage patterns show it's frequently found in news, academic, and formal business settings. When using the phrase, ensure that you clarify the scope of operations that were not taking place to avoid ambiguity. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "we weren't running" or "we were inactive" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we weren't running

Focuses on the lack of active execution or management.

we were not in service

Emphasizes the unavailability for use or duty.

we weren't functioning

Highlights the absence of normal operational capability.

we were inactive

Simple and direct way to state a lack of activity.

we weren't online

Implies a lack of digital or network presence.

we were shut down

Suggests a deliberate cessation of operations.

we were out of commission

Indicates a state of being temporarily or permanently disabled.

we ceased operations

Formal way of saying that operations have stopped.

we were non-operational

A more technical or formal way of saying "we were not operating".

we weren't up and running

Emphasizes the lack of being prepared or ready for activity.

FAQs

What does "we were not operating" mean?

It means that a particular entity or group was not performing its usual or intended functions at a specific time in the past. It implies a state of inactivity or non-functionality.

How can I use "we were not operating" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a past situation where an organization, system, or group wasn't functioning: "Due to the power outage, "we were not operating" our production line last night."

What can I say instead of "we were not operating"?

You can use alternatives like "we weren't running", "we were inactive", or "we weren't functioning" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "we did not operate" or "we were not operating"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "we were not operating" often implies a temporary state of inactivity, while "we did not operate" can suggest a more permanent cessation or a specific instance where operation didn't occur.