we were on

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "we were on" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It typically functions as the beginning of a larger phrase or clause and can be used to provide context or detail to the sentence. Example 1: "We were on our way to the movies when we got stuck in traffic." Example 2: "The professor asked us a question and we were on the spot to come up with an answer." Example 3: "After months of planning, we were finally on our dream vacation to Hawaii." In all of these examples, "we were on" is used to indicate a specific point in time or a particular state or situation that the subject is currently experiencing. It can also be used in the past tense, as shown in the examples above, or in the present tense, such as "we are on" or "we're on". Overall, "we were on" is a versatile phrase that can be used in a variety of contexts and is commonly found in both written and spoken English.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We were on tenterhooks.

Independent

We were on vacation.

The New York Times

We were on a….

The New Yorker

We were on defense".

The New Yorker

We were on.

The New York Times

We were on our way.

The New York Times

We were on our own.

The New Yorker

We were on a break!

Independent

We were on the beach.

The New York Times

We were on drugs.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We were on the books.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were on", ensure the context clarifies what you were 'on' – a journey, a substance, a team, etc. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "we were on" without specifying what you were on. For example, instead of saying "We were on", specify "We were on the right track" or "We were on vacation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were on" functions as a clause opener, setting the scene or context for a subsequent statement. It often introduces a specific condition, location, or activity that the speakers experienced. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely utilized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were on" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile construction that serves to set the stage or provide context for subsequent information. As Ludwig AI states, it's quite common in various forms of communication. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts, emphasizing the importance of specifying what exactly "we were on" to avoid ambiguity. Common alternatives include "we happened to be on" and "we found ourselves on", offering nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we happened to be on

Adds an element of chance or coincidence.

we found ourselves on

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the situation.

we had embarked on

Implies a deliberate beginning of a journey or task.

we were present at

Focuses on physical presence at a location or event.

we participated in

Highlights involvement or contribution to something.

we were engaged in

Suggests active involvement in an activity.

we were situated on

Emphasizes the physical location or placement.

we were in the midst of

Highlights being in the middle of an ongoing activity.

we had started on

Focuses on the initiation of something.

we were experiencing

Emphasizes the act of undergoing a particular situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were on" to indicate a state, location, or activity. For example, "We were on vacation", "We were on the same page", or "We were on the verge of success".

What's a more formal alternative to "we were on"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "we participated in" or "we were engaged in" to convey a more formal tone.

Is it correct to say "we was on" instead of "we were on"?

No, "we was on" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "we were on", as "were" is the past tense plural form of the verb 'to be'.

What does "we were on the same page" mean?

"We were on the same page" means that we were in agreement or had a shared understanding about something. It indicates alignment in thinking or planning.