we were proposing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we were proposing' is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence like this: "We were proposing a new solution that could help improve efficiency in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Bannon "approved the data-collection scheme we were proposing," Wylie said.

The Washington Post

The council told us that they thought the store we were proposing was too big.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was a consensus that the country needed more conservation projects of the kind that we were proposing".

The New York Times

And from 1991 until I left in 2001, we were proposing to the United States covert action programs to do precisely that".

The New York Times

We got it because of the strength of my financial statement and also because of the strength of what we were proposing.

The Washington Post

Added to that, we were proposing to start an e-commerce business selling clothes directly to British men – almost unheard of at the time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

What we're proposing is not radical.

The New York Times

That's what we are proposing".

The New York Times - Health

It's precisely what we're proposing.

The New York Times

We are proposing another way".

The Guardian - Music

"We are proposing something better.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were proposing" when you want to emphasize the process of suggesting an idea or plan in the past, especially when it might have met with some resistance or discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "we were proposing" when you simply mean "we proposed". Use the simple past tense if the action is completed and there is no need to emphasize the ongoing nature of the proposal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were proposing" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past continuous action of suggesting or putting forward an idea, plan, or solution. Ludwig shows many examples where this phrase is used to describe past initiatives or suggestions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were proposing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that indicates a past continuous action of suggesting or putting forward an idea or plan. Ludwig AI confirms this with its high-quality examples extracted from diverse and authoritative sources. The phrase is versatile enough to be used in various contexts, from news reporting to academic discussions, but it is important to use it accurately, ensuring the tense aligns with the intended meaning. Alternatives like "we suggested" or "we recommended" can be used when a more direct or forceful tone is desired. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively communicate their intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we suggested

Replaces "proposing" with a more direct term for making a suggestion.

we recommended

Indicates a stronger endorsement than simply proposing.

we were putting forward

Similar to 'we put forward', but retains the continuous tense.

we put forward

Emphasizes the action of presenting an idea or plan.

we were recommending

Similar to 'we recommended', but retains the continuous tense.

we advanced the idea

Highlights the introduction and promotion of a concept.

we advocated

Implies strong support and active promotion of the proposal.

we outlined

Focuses on providing a summary of the proposal.

we sketched out

Indicates that the proposal was presented in a preliminary or draft form.

we introduced

Highlights the act of bringing the proposal to attention for the first time.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were proposing" to describe an idea or plan that your group was suggesting or putting forward in the past, for example: "We were proposing a new marketing strategy at the time."

What are some alternatives to "we were proposing"?

Some alternatives include "we suggested", "we recommended", or "we put forward", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we are proposing" instead of "we were proposing"?

Yes, but it depends on the timeframe. "We are proposing" indicates a present action, whereas "we were proposing" refers to a past action.

What is the difference between "we proposed" and "we were proposing"?

"We proposed" suggests a completed action, meaning the proposal was made. "We were proposing" implies a continuous action in the past, perhaps indicating the proposal was under discussion or consideration.