we were overlooking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were overlooking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that was missed or not noticed in the past. Example: "In our analysis, we were overlooking some key data that could have changed our conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We were overlooking Los Angeles, the stars were out, and I was thinking, This is a scene from 'Faust.' I was thinking about Mephistopheles," Hundt recalled.

The New Yorker

And then we were overlooking the bluest bays, bordering forested hills and magical limestone rocks; all around bursting with colour, birdsong and fresh, clear air.

The Guardian - Travel

26 August: journalist Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward are murdered during a routine broadcast Vicki Gardner, victim It was a beautiful morning and we were overlooking Smith Mountain Lake.

The Guardian

Follow Zach Sokol on TwItter.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I suspect we were overlooked because we were too small.

The Guardian

On my first visit, as tables around us were being served small plates of marinated cucumbers, we were overlooked.

The New York Times

"Even though people say we were overlooked by the awards, we got five seasons out of this wonderful show," Ms. Britton said.

The New York Times

"We were overlooked last year because we had all these guys who could take over the game," said Carrawell, a senior who averages 18.3 points and shoots 51percentt from the field.

The New York Times - Sports

The garden was, as had been claimed by every visitor, a work of art, but my enjoyment was restrained by the knowledge that we were overlooked by a giant nuclear reactor.

The Guardian - Film

"We were overlooked by both sides of the presidential candidates for obvious reasons.

Huffington Post

We walk round the mellow walls of the Old City till we are overlooking the village.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were overlooking" to describe a scenic view or a situation where you had a vantage point. For example, "We were overlooking the city from the rooftop bar."

Common error

Avoid using "we were overlooking" when you mean "we were overseeing". 'Overseeing' means supervising or managing something, which is different from having a view of something or missing something important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were overlooking" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing an action in progress in the past. Ludwig shows that it indicates either a physical vantage point or a failure to notice something important. It describes a past continuous action of observing or neglecting.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were overlooking" is a grammatically sound verb phrase indicating either a past continuous action of observing from a high point or failing to notice something important. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively rare in occurrence, it is primarily found in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, be mindful of the context to avoid confusion with "oversee". Consider alternatives like "we had a view of" or "we failed to notice" to refine your meaning. Remember that "we were overlooking" describes a continuous past action, while "we overlooked" refers to a completed one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we had a view of

Focuses on the visual aspect of observing a scene.

we looked out over

Highlights the act of directing one's gaze towards something below.

we surveyed

Implies a more comprehensive and strategic observation.

we commanded a view of

Suggests a position of dominance or control over what is being seen.

we had a perspective on

Emphasizes a particular viewpoint or angle.

we failed to notice

Shifts the focus to the act of missing something important.

we didn't pay attention to

Indicates a lack of focus or awareness.

we missed

A simpler way of saying that something was not observed or understood.

we disregarded

Implies a conscious decision to ignore something.

we underestimated

Suggests a misjudgment of something's importance or impact.

FAQs

What does "we were overlooking" mean?

The phrase "we were overlooking" can mean either that you had a view of something from above, or that you were failing to notice or consider something important.

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

You can use "we were overlooking" to describe a scene, like "We were overlooking the ocean at sunset". Alternatively, you can use it to indicate a mistake, such as "We were overlooking a key piece of evidence".

What can I say instead of "we were overlooking" if I mean we had a view of?

If you mean you had a view of something, you can use alternatives like "we had a view of", "we looked out over", or "we surveyed".

What's the difference between "we were overlooking" and "we overlooked"?

"We were overlooking" implies a continuous action in the past, while "we overlooked" implies a completed action. For example, "We were overlooking the lake while we ate dinner" versus "We overlooked the importance of the deadline".