we were shaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were shaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical reaction, often due to fear, excitement, or cold. Example: "As the thunder roared overhead, we were shaking with fear, unable to move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Film

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"We were shaking.

The New Yorker

We were given candles and we were shaking and crying.

The Guardian - Film

Suddenly we were shaking hands with Tim Rice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At the Forbidden City, the wind was blowing quite hard and we were shaking.

The New York Times

So we were shaking, the body was just doing its own thing.

The Guardian

'The incident happened last Thursday and after training we were shaking hands, loving and giving hugs.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

We were shaken.

The New York Times

We laughed it off, but we were shaken.

The New York Times - Magazine

And then, on September 11 , 2001 we were shaken out of complacency.

The New York Times

"We were shaken but determined to continue," Mr. Ronen said.

The New York Times

Then, on September 11th 2001, we were shaken out of complacency.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were shaking" to vividly describe a physical response to strong emotions such as fear, excitement, or cold, but consider the context to determine if a more specific synonym like "trembling" or "shivering" would be more appropriate.

Common error

While "we were shaking" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language to convey the specific emotion or physical state you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were shaking" functions as a declarative statement describing a past continuous action. It indicates that the subject (we) was experiencing a state of shaking at some point in the past. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is considered correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Lifestyle

5%

Sport

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were shaking" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a state of trembling or vibrating, often due to strong emotions or physical conditions. Ludwig AI indicates it's correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and whether a synonym like "trembling" or "shivering" might be more precise, especially in formal settings. Its versatile utility makes it a strong addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were trembling

Replaces "shaking" with a synonym that emphasizes a slight, uncontrolled movement, often due to fear or nervousness.

we were shivering

Replaces "shaking" with a synonym that emphasizes trembling due to cold.

we were quaking

Replaces "shaking" with a stronger synonym, suggesting a more intense physical or emotional reaction.

we were shuddering

Emphasizes a convulsive shaking movement, often due to fear or disgust.

we felt unsteady

Shifts the focus to the feeling of instability rather than the physical action of shaking.

we were apprehensive

Focuses on the feeling of anxiety or fear that might cause shaking.

we were fearful

Highlights the emotion of fear that underlies the shaking.

we were moved

Suggests that the shaking was caused by strong emotion or empathy.

we were vibrating

Emphasizes a rapid, continuous shaking motion.

we were oscillating

Describes a rhythmic back-and-forth movement, suggesting a more mechanical or regular form of shaking.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "we were shaking"?

Saying "we were shaking" typically indicates a physical response to an intense emotion or condition, such as fear, cold, excitement, or shock. It suggests that the person or people involved experienced involuntary trembling or vibrating movements.

What are some synonyms for "we were shaking" that I can use?

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives like "we were trembling", "we were shivering", or "we were quaking". Each synonym carries slightly different nuances regarding the intensity and cause of the shaking.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we were shaking"?

Yes, "we were shaking" is grammatically correct. It uses the past continuous tense of the verb "shake", indicating an ongoing action in the past.

In what kind of situations can I use the phrase "we were shaking"?

You can use "we were shaking" in various situations, such as describing a reaction to a scary movie, expressing how you felt in cold weather, or conveying the excitement of a thrilling event. The key is that it accurately reflects the physical or emotional state of being shaken.