we were struggling

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were struggling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about encountering difficulty with a task or situation. For example, "We were struggling to reach a consensus on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We were struggling all summer".

The New York Times

"We were struggling," Kershaw said.

The New York Times - Sports

We were struggling but put it right".

Independent

"When I did it we were struggling.

The New York Times - Sports

But back then we were struggling.

The New York Times

But we were struggling, too.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were struggling to find something".

The New York Times

"We were struggling," added Peter Schmeichel.

The Guardian - Sport

"We were struggling to survive," Bruce Leep said.

The New York Times

"We were struggling artists desperately trying to make a living.

The Guardian - Arts

We were struggling to keep it in the racks.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were struggling", provide specific details about the nature of the struggle to give your audience a clearer understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "we were struggling" as a standalone statement. Always follow up with specific details about what you were struggling with and why it was challenging. This makes your writing more informative and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were struggling" functions as a descriptive statement indicating difficulty or hardship experienced by a group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, demonstrating its role in conveying a past state of challenge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were struggling" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe past difficulties or hardships. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, sports, and business. When using this phrase, providing specific details about the nature of the struggle enhances clarity and engagement. Alternatives like "we faced difficulties" or "we had a hard time" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were having trouble

Similar in meaning, but focuses on the experience of difficulty at the moment.

we had a hard time

Uses a common idiom to express difficulty, which is slightly less formal than "we faced difficulties".

we faced difficulties

Replaces "struggling" with a more formal term, emphasizing the presence of problems.

we were up against it

An idiomatic expression that suggests facing considerable obstacles.

we experienced hardship

Focuses on the negative experience and suffering encountered.

we were in dire straits

Implies a more serious and critical situation than simply "struggling".

we battled against adversity

Highlights the active fight against challenging circumstances.

we were fighting an uphill battle

Emphasizes the difficulty and resistance faced in achieving a goal.

we were not succeeding

A straightforward statement indicating a lack of progress or positive outcomes.

we were under pressure

Highlights the stress and strain experienced during a challenging period.

FAQs

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

Use "we were struggling" to describe a situation where you faced difficulties or challenges. For example, "We were struggling to meet the deadline due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "we were struggling"?

You can use alternatives such as "we faced difficulties", "we had a hard time", or "we were having trouble" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "we struggled" or "we were struggling"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "we struggled" implies a completed action, while "we were struggling" suggests a continuous action in the past. Choose the one that best fits the timeline of the situation you're describing.

What's the difference between "we were struggling" and "we overcame adversity"?

"We were struggling" describes the period of difficulty, while "we overcame adversity" indicates that you successfully resolved the challenges. The second phrase focuses on the positive outcome.