we were questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were questions" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a state of inquiry or uncertainty, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "In our discussion, we were questions, seeking answers to the mysteries of the universe."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The FBI was asking the same questions we were, questions we thought society should be asking, too.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We were questioned extensively.

The New York Times

We were questioned delicately, resolutely investigated, and found guilty only of taking life too lightly.

The New York Times

"If we spend money from the regular budget head funded by foreign donors we are questioned.

BMC Health Services Research

"But we recognise there are questions," he said.

The Guardian

Where are we going?' These are questions of the heart".

Forbes

"We were getting questions about it," Mr. Eason said.

The New York Times

"We were discussing questions, not answers," he said.

The New York Times

(FG, Alumni) "Sometimes we were asked questions that we were not in position to answer immediately.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

These are questions we'll be considering".

The New York Times

These are questions we should be asking one another".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "we were questions" as it is grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity. Instead, use more direct and grammatically sound alternatives like "we asked questions" or "we inquired".

Common error

Do not attempt to force "we were questions" into a sentence where it doesn't naturally fit. It's not a standard or recognized grammatical structure. Instead of trying to make it work, rephrase your sentence using more conventional grammar.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were questions" is grammatically unconventional and does not serve a standard grammatical function. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase lacks clarity and context. Instead, more conventional phrases like "we asked questions" would be used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were questions" is grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity. As Ludwig AI has noted, it's not a recognized or standard English construction. While there are some examples available, they do not legitimize its use. It's better to opt for grammatically correct alternatives such as "we asked questions", "we inquired", or "we were curious", depending on the intended meaning and context. Using such alternatives will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we posed questions

Replaces "were questions" with the active verb "posed", indicating the action of asking questions.

we raised questions

Substitutes "were questions" with "raised", suggesting the act of bringing up or introducing questions.

we inquired

Replaces the entire phrase with a single verb "inquired", which denotes the act of asking or investigating.

we investigated

Instead of directly referring to questions, this suggests a process of inquiry and examination.

we sought answers

Focuses on the pursuit of answers rather than the state of being questions themselves.

we were curious

Shifts the focus to the state of being curious, implying a desire to ask questions.

we interrogated

Suggests a more formal and intense questioning process.

we examined the issues

Focuses on the issues rather than the act of questioning.

we delved into the matter

Indicates a thorough and detailed investigation of a topic.

we probed the depths

Suggests a deep and penetrating inquiry.

FAQs

Is "we were questions" grammatically correct?

No, "we were questions" is not grammatically correct. It's an unusual phrasing that doesn't conform to standard English grammar rules. Consider alternatives like "we asked questions" or "we posed questions".

What does "we were questions" even mean?

The intended meaning of "we were questions" is unclear. It might be an attempt to express a state of inquiry or curiosity. However, due to its non-standard grammatical structure, it's better to use clearer alternatives like "we were inquiring" or "we were investigating".

What can I say instead of "we were questions"?

You can use alternatives like "we asked questions", "we raised questions", "we were curious", or "we were inquiring" depending on the intended meaning and context.

Which is correct, "we were questions" or "we asked questions"?

"We asked questions" is the correct and grammatically sound option. "We were questions" is not a standard English construction and should be avoided. Use "we asked questions" or similar alternatives for clarity.