we were trying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we were trying' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about a past attempt or effort. For example: "We were trying our best to finish the project on time, but we underestimated the amount of work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"We were trying to stay focused".

The New York Times - Sports

We were trying our best".

The New York Times - Tech

We were trying a few things.

Cornell University

We were trying to illustrate a story.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were trying to sell a dream.

The New York Times - Sports

We were trying to structure the company".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"We're trying".

The New Yorker

"But we are trying.

Independent

We're trying to".

The New York Times - Sports

We're trying, we're making waves.

The New York Times - Sports

We're trying; we really are.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were trying", ensure the context clearly indicates the goal or objective of the attempt. Adding a specific purpose enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were trying" when the action was successfully completed. Instead, use a past tense verb to indicate the achievement. For example, instead of "We were trying to finish the project and we did", say "We finished the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were trying" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a past action that was attempted or in progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct way to express an intention or effort made. Examples show it used in various contexts, from sports to technology.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Academia

10%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were trying" is a grammatically correct and very common way to describe a past attempt or effort, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's versatile and suitable for various contexts, most frequently appearing in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the goal of the attempt and be mindful of whether the action was successfully completed. Consider alternatives like "we attempted to" or "we aimed to" to add nuance to your writing. Remember, this phrase should generally be used when the result of said attempt is not completed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we attempted to

Replaces "trying" with the more formal "attempted", indicating a deliberate effort.

we aimed to

Focuses on the goal or objective, highlighting the intention behind the effort.

we were working towards

Indicates ongoing effort directed towards a specific goal.

we made an effort to

Emphasizes the exertion of effort, adding a layer of determination.

our intention was to

Explicitly states the purpose or objective, providing clarity on the intended action.

we strived to

Implies a persistent and determined effort, suggesting challenges were overcome.

we were endeavoring to

Uses "endeavoring," a more sophisticated term for trying, suitable for formal contexts.

we set out to

Emphasizes the beginning of an attempt, often implying a journey or challenge.

we sought to

Suggests a focused search or pursuit of a specific outcome.

we had been planning to

Highlights prior planning and intention, even if the action didn't fully materialize.

FAQs

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

Use "we were trying" to describe a past effort or attempt, often when the outcome is uncertain or not fully achieved. For example, "We were trying to reach the summit, but the weather turned bad".

What are some alternatives to "we were trying"?

You can use alternatives like "we attempted to", "we made an effort to", or "we aimed to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we were trying" even if we failed?

Yes, "we were trying" is often used to describe an attempt that did not fully succeed. It acknowledges the effort made, regardless of the outcome. For example, "We were trying to fix the car, but it still won't start".

What's the difference between "we were trying" and "we tried"?

"We tried" typically implies a completed action, even if unsuccessful. "We were trying", on the other hand, can suggest an ongoing or incomplete effort in the past, or a past effort where the outcome is still relevant.