we were thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

'we were thinking' is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you and your group of people are considering something, for example: We were thinking of taking a vacation this summer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Was meeting with company we were thinking about deal with.

TechCrunch

"I think we were thinking too small," Mr. Giuliani added.

The New York Times

We were thinking water".

The New Yorker

We were thinking so much.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were thinking Derby".

The New York Times - Sports

We were thinking: "Twats".

The Guardian - Opinion

"We were thinking hundreds".

The New York Times

We were thinking about survival".

Independent

That's what we were thinking.

The New York Times

We will wonder what we were thinking.

The New York Times

Perhaps we were thinking of "torpor".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were thinking" to introduce a plan, suggestion, or consideration shared by a group. It's especially useful for softening potentially controversial ideas or proposals.

Common error

Avoid using "we were thinking" when expressing solely personal thoughts or decisions. It is more appropriate to use "I was thinking" in those contexts. For instance, saying "I was thinking of changing jobs" is better than saying "We were thinking of changing jobs" if it's only your decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were thinking" primarily functions as a means to introduce a shared idea, plan, or suggestion. Ludwig AI shows examples where it is used to gently propose ideas or explain past considerations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were thinking" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used phrase to introduce a shared idea, plan, or suggestion. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, especially in news and media. Related phrases like "we considered" or "we planned to" can offer alternative ways to express similar intentions. When using the phrase, ensure it reflects a collective thought rather than an individual one. Being mindful of these nuances ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were considering

Similar but with a stronger sense of ongoing consideration.

we were planning on

Indicates future intentions and plan development.

we considered

Focuses on past consideration without necessarily implying a plan.

we planned to

Indicates a more concrete and actionable intent.

we intended to

Highlights purpose and planned action.

we had in mind

Emphasizes the initial idea or concept.

our initial thought was

Emphasizes the initial idea or consideration.

we contemplated

Suggests a more thoughtful and prolonged period of reflection.

we envisioned

Suggests a mental image of a possible future outcome.

it was our understanding

Shifts the focus to a shared comprehension of facts.

FAQs

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

In formal contexts, you can replace "we were thinking" with phrases like "we considered", "we contemplated", or "it was our understanding" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "we were thinking about" interchangeable with "we were thinking of"?

Yes, "we were thinking about" and "we were thinking of" are often interchangeable. For example, "we were thinking about getting" and "we were thinking of getting" are both valid ways to express the same idea.

What's the difference between "we were thinking" and "we thought"?

"We thought" typically refers to a completed action of thinking, while "we were thinking" suggests an ongoing process or a past continuous state of consideration. Using "we thought" implies a conclusion or a decision was reached.

When is it better to use "I was thinking" instead of "we were thinking"?

Use "I was thinking" when expressing a personal thought or intention, rather than a collective one. If the thought or plan belongs solely to you, "I was thinking" is more appropriate.