we were seeing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were seeing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action or experience in the past, often in the context of observing or experiencing something together with others. Example: "During our vacation last summer, we were seeing beautiful landscapes every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We were seeing positive results," he said.

The New York Times

We were seeing it on TV.

The New Yorker

We knew we were seeing something extraordinary".

The Guardian - Books

We were seeing two different realities.

The New York Times - Magazine

We loved what we were seeing.

The Guardian - Sport

We were seeing a greater focus.

The Guardian

We could scarcely believe what we were seeing.

The Guardian - Opinion

We were seeing it all at once, all together.

The New York Times - Magazine

"And in southern Europe, we were seeing minus growth".

The Guardian - Business

I know they weren't seeing what we were seeing.

The New Yorker

"It was not real, yet we were seeing it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were seeing" to describe a shared observation or experience that happened over a period of time in the past. It implies a continuous or repeated action.

Common error

Avoid using "we were seeing" to describe events that happened at a single, distinct moment in the past. Use a simple past tense verb instead, such as "we saw."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were seeing" primarily functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It indicates an ongoing action or experience that the speakers were observing or undergoing at some point in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical function based on common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were seeing" is a versatile phrase used to describe ongoing observations or experiences in the past, often implying a trend or pattern. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, remember that this phrase is best used for continuous actions and not for single, distinct events. While generally neutral in tone, the specific context dictates its level of formality. Alternatives such as "we observed" or "we noticed" can offer subtle shifts in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we witnessed

Suggests that what was seen was noteworthy or impactful.

we observed

Focuses more on a deliberate act of watching, implying attention to detail.

we noticed

Emphasizes becoming aware of something, often subtly.

we perceived

Highlights a subjective understanding or interpretation of what was seen.

we detected

Implies discovering something that might not be immediately obvious.

we experienced

Shifts the focus to a broader, more personal encounter.

we recognized

Highlights the act of identifying or understanding something previously unknown.

we understood

Focuses on gaining comprehension as a result of what was observed.

we identified

Implies recognizing something specific and distinct within what was seen.

we were aware of

Highlights a state of consciousness regarding something happening or existing.

FAQs

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

Use "we were seeing" to describe ongoing observations or experiences in the past. For example, "During that period, "we were seeing" significant improvements in performance".

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

You can use alternatives like "we observed", "we noticed", or "we witnessed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "we were seeing" or "we saw"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings. "We were seeing" describes an ongoing or repeated action in the past, while "we saw" describes a single, completed action.

What's the difference between "we were seeing" and "we had seen"?

"We were seeing" describes a continuous action in the past, while "we had seen" describes an action that was completed before another point in the past.