we were talking

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were talking" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about an event that took place in the past, or when you are continuing a conversation that you were having. Example: We were talking about what we wanted to do for our vacation when the phone rang.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We were talking".

The New York Times

We were talking and watching.

The New Yorker

"We were talking earlier.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We were talking, smoking.

The Guardian

At least we were talking.

The New York Times - Magazine

We were talking about camels.

The Guardian - Film

We were talking about books.

The Guardian - Books

We were talking about cars.

The Guardian - Sport

"We were talking Social Security.

The New York Times

We were talking about Ashcroft".

The New York Times

We were talking about friends.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were talking" to describe an ongoing conversation in the past, setting the scene or providing context for subsequent events. For example, "We were talking about the new project when the manager walked in."

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences or paragraphs with "we were talking" in a narrative. Vary your sentence structure by using other descriptive verbs or setting the scene without explicitly stating the conversation was occurring. Instead of saying "We were talking about the weather, and then it started raining", try "As we discussed the unusual warmth, the first drops began to fall."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were talking" primarily functions as a verbal phrase indicating an ongoing conversation in the past. It sets the scene for providing additional details about the topic, participants, or circumstances surrounding the discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were talking" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that a conversation occurred in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and commonly used in English. Predominantly found in news and media sources, "we were talking" sets the stage for further details about the discussion. For more formal contexts, consider using synonyms like "we were discussing", while informal settings may allow for options like "we chatted". When writing, ensure to avoid overusing it as a narrative crutch and vary your sentence structures to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we spoke

This alternative offers a direct and simple substitute using a synonym to "talking".

we were discussing

This alternative uses a more formal verb, "discussing", to indicate a conversation about a specific topic.

we had a discussion

Replaces the continuous verb form with a noun phrase, emphasizing the event of the discussion.

we had a conversation

This alternative uses a noun-based construction instead of the verb-based "we were talking".

we were in conversation

This alternative uses a prepositional phrase to describe the state of having a conversation.

we engaged in conversation

This is a more formal and elaborate way of saying "we were talking", emphasizing the act of engaging in a conversation.

we communicated

This alternative uses a broader verb, "communicated", which encompasses various forms of exchanging information.

we chatted

This alternative uses a more informal verb, "chatted", suggesting a light and friendly conversation.

we were conferring

This alternative suggest a more formal and deliberate conversation, often for decision-making.

we exchanged words

This alternative highlights the act of exchanging words rather than the content of the conversation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we were talking" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "we were discussing", "we engaged in conversation", or "we had a discussion". These options often suit professional or academic contexts better.

What's a more casual way to say "we were talking"?

If you're aiming for a relaxed and informal tone, you could say "we chatted", "we spoke", or simply "we were chatting".

Is it always necessary to specify what "we were talking" about?

While not always required, specifying the topic of conversation after "we were talking" often adds clarity and context. For example, "we were talking about the project". Without it, the phrase can feel incomplete.

What are some common phrases used with "we were talking"?

Common phrases used with "we were talking" include stating the topic (e.g., "we were talking about"), the setting (e.g., "we were talking earlier"), or the purpose (e.g., "we were talking to each other").