we were speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'we were speaking' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referring to a conversation that has previously taken place. For example: "Earlier, we were speaking about our plans for the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"We were speaking in accents.

The New York Times

We were speaking on the phone.

The New Yorker

We were speaking up to the government".

The Economist

We were speaking their ideas.

The Guardian - Books

We were speaking by telephone.

The New Yorker

It was also understood that we were speaking privately.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

We were spoken to about that kind of thing.

Huffington Post

We were spoken to in this new and abrasive vocabulary.

Vice

"We are speaking of the traditional family.

Independent

"We're speaking relatively here, you know.

The New York Times

"We're speaking of Sadie?" she asked.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a conversation, consider the nuances in formality. "We were speaking" is generally neutral, suitable for most contexts. Choose more informal phrases like "we had a chat" or formal phrases such as "we were conversing" as needed to align with the situation.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses abruptly within a sentence when using "we were speaking". Ensure the surrounding verbs maintain a consistent past tense for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were speaking" functions as a past continuous tense verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action in the past. It describes a conversation that was in progress at a specific time. As Ludwig confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were speaking" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a past conversation, as affirmed by Ludwig. Its frequency across diverse sources—particularly news media and academic publications—highlights its widespread applicability. While generally neutral, the surrounding context can influence the tone of the phrase, and synonyms like "we were discussing" or "we had a chat" can provide more nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we had been talking

Focuses on the duration of the conversation prior to another event.

we were discussing

Emphasizes the topic-oriented nature of the conversation.

we talked

A simpler and more direct way to say "we were speaking".

we were conversing

Suggests a more formal or polite conversation.

we were in conversation

Highlights the state of being engaged in a conversation.

we communicated

Indicates a general exchange of information, not necessarily verbal.

we had a chat

Implies a casual and informal conversation.

we were on the phone

Specifies that the conversation happened via telephone.

we shared a conversation

Emphasizes the shared experience of talking.

we touched base

Suggests a brief conversation, often for updates or coordination.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were speaking" to refer to a past conversation, as in, "Earlier today, "we were speaking" about the upcoming project deadline".

What's a more formal way to say "we were speaking"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "we were conversing" or "we were discussing". These alternatives often suit professional or academic settings.

Is it always necessary to specify who "we" refers to when using "we were speaking"?

While not always necessary, providing context can enhance clarity. If the "we" is ambiguous, clarify by stating, "The team and I were speaking" or "John and I were speaking".

What can I use instead of "we were speaking" if I want to emphasize the topic of conversation?

If you want to focus on the subject matter, try "we were discussing". For example, "We were discussing the new marketing strategy" emphasizes the topic more directly.