we were running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were running" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that was happening in the past, often in a narrative or storytelling context. Example: "As the sun began to set, we were running through the fields, laughing and enjoying the moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We were running around.

The New York Times

We were running and laughing.

The New York Times

"We were running the clock," Fox said.

The New York Times - Sports

We were running twenty-four hours early.

The New Yorker

Unfortunately, we were running late.

The New Yorker

"We were running really strong.

The New York Times - Sports

We were running through a proper cauldron.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We were running out of strength".

The New Yorker

We were running, we were clicking.

The Guardian - Sport

"After Memorial Day we were running uphill backward.

The New York Times

Rather, he told us we were running out fuel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a narrative, use “we were running” to create a sense of urgency or excitement. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement. For example, combine it with descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of the scene.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses within the same sentence or paragraph. If you start with "we were running", maintain the past continuous tense throughout unless there's a clear reason to switch to another tense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were running" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. Ludwig AI indicates it's used to describe an ongoing action in the past, often emphasizing the duration or continuity of the activity. Examples show it used both literally (physical running) and figuratively (running out of time or resources).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were running" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to depict an ongoing action in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase serves to narrate past events with an emphasis on continuous movement or activity. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media. While alternatives like "we were sprinting" or "we were racing" can offer nuanced meanings, "we were running" remains a versatile and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were sprinting

Focuses on the high speed and intensity of running.

we were jogging

Implies a slower, more relaxed pace of running.

we were racing

Suggests a competitive element to the running.

we were in motion

A more general term indicating movement but not necessarily running.

we were fleeing

Similar to escaping, with a stronger emphasis on running from danger or threat.

we were hurrying

Implies a sense of urgency and speed in movement.

we were escaping

Highlights the act of running away from a dangerous situation.

we were proceeding

Suggests a more formal and deliberate movement forward.

we were progressing

Focuses on the advancement or development while moving.

we were advancing

Similar to progressing, but with a stronger sense of forward movement.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were running" to describe a continuous action in the past, such as "We were running late for the meeting", or "We were running to catch the bus".

What's the difference between "we were running" and "we ran"?

"We were running" describes a continuous action in the past, while "we ran" describes a completed action. For example, "We were running when it started to rain" versus "We ran to the store".

What can I say instead of "we were running" to describe a fast pace?

You could use alternatives like "we were sprinting", "we were racing", or "we were dashing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we was running"?

No, "we was running" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "we were running", as the plural pronoun "we" requires the plural form of the verb "to be" (were).