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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
we were obtaining
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "we were obtaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action that was happening in the past, specifically the act of acquiring or getting something. Example: "During the research phase, we were obtaining data from various sources to support our findings."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
6 human-written examples
As this livestock breeder said: "Everything natural from which we were obtaining our bread in Kalište, it is abandoned now, I don't know how it is in France or in the West, I don't know there, but in this region, these people are disregarding the cultivated fields… the ground, the fields have been left abandoned.
This made us reconsider the way in which we were obtaining informed consent.
Science
Finally, we note that whenever adherence was measured, we were obtaining information on more than the ingestion of medication.
Science
We wondered whether the strong signals that we were obtaining were merely a result of the abundance of Lam6 or whether the contact sites themselves were changing.
Science
During oropharyngeal sampling of the naive water contacts, we considered the possibility that we were obtaining transient virus that the birds acquired during recent drinking.
Science
Both of these factors could have had a positive effect in terms of trust and rapport but, in the case of the interpreted interviews, it was at times difficult to know if we were obtaining the interviewee's views or a distilled view from the interpreter.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
54 human-written examples
We were obtained the same results by both methods.
This is vital to ensure we are obtaining the best individual outcomes.
News & Media
Based on these analyses we are obtaining the optimal parameters to produce the maximum crop production.
Science
"In the context of our negotiations we are obtaining specific written assurances from the US that access by public authorities to personal data transferred from Europe will be limited to what is necessary and proportionate.
News & Media
In addition, the saliva and PBMC specimens we assayed were obtained infrequently (only once every four months).
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "we were obtaining", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being acquired and from where or whom. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "we were obtaining" without clearly specifying the source or method of acquisition. This can make your writing vague. Instead, be explicit about where the information or resources came from to enhance credibility.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "we were obtaining" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It describes an ongoing action of acquiring or receiving something during a specific period in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.
Frequent in
Science
71%
News & Media
29%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "we were obtaining" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a continuous action of acquiring or receiving something in the past. Ludwig AI validates this usage. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it's crucial to specify the source of acquisition for clarity. While alternatives like ""we were acquiring"" or ""we were gathering"" can be used, "we were obtaining" specifically highlights the process of gaining something over time. This phrase is thus versatile and adds precision to your writing when used correctly.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
we were acquiring
Focuses on a gradual accumulation or gaining of something.
we were receiving
Emphasizes the act of getting something that is given or sent.
we were gathering
Highlights the process of collecting things together.
we were collecting
Similar to gathering, but can imply a more organized approach.
we were getting
A more general term for acquiring or receiving.
we were securing
Implies making something safe or certain to acquire.
we were procuring
Suggests obtaining something with care or effort, often for business or official purposes.
we were deriving
Indicates obtaining something from a source or origin.
we were extracting
Implies carefully removing or drawing something out.
we were drawing
Suggests obtaining information or resources gradually.
FAQs
How can I use "we were obtaining" in a sentence?
Use "we were obtaining" to describe a past action of acquiring something, such as "During the research, "we were obtaining" data from various sources".
What are some alternatives to "we were obtaining"?
Depending on the context, consider using alternatives such as "we were acquiring", "we were receiving", or "we were gathering".
Is it correct to say "we were obtain" instead of "we were obtaining"?
No, "we were obtain" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""we were obtaining"", which uses the past continuous tense.
What's the difference between "we were obtaining" and "we obtained"?
"We were obtaining" implies a continuous action in the past, while "we obtained" describes a completed action. For example, ""we were obtaining" feedback throughout the project" versus "we obtained the final results yesterday".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested