we were winning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were winning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in the past where success or victory was being achieved, often in the context of a game or competition. Example: "At halftime, we were winning the match, but the other team made a strong comeback in the second half."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there was a time when "we" were winning.

The Guardian

Please, I thought we were winning.

The New Yorker

We were winning nine days ago.

Independent

"Last year, we were winning those games.

The New York Times - Sports

"I just wish we were winning".

The Guardian - Sport

"We were winning one and losing one.

The New York Times - Sports

I thought we were winning this war".

The New York Times

"We were winning the Super Bowl".

The New York Times - Sports

We were winning by doing what we were doing.

The New York Times - Sports

Half-time England 5 France 6 SB We were winning.

The Guardian - Sport

We were winning matches we weren't expected to win.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were winning" to describe a past state of advantage. Be mindful to transition to a different tense if the situation changed.

Common error

Avoid abruptly shifting from past continuous ("we were winning") to present tense without signaling a change in time frame. For instance, instead of saying "We were winning, so we are the best", say "We were winning, which is why we believed we would be the best."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were winning" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of being in a successful or advantageous position at a specific time in the past. It describes an ongoing action in the past where the subject was achieving positive results. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were winning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a past state of success or advantage. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to convey information about a positive situation at a specific time in the past. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, predominantly in news and media, as demonstrated by the numerous examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about who "we" refers to and consider whether a more specific verb might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we had the lead

Focuses on the state of being ahead in a competition or situation. It is a direct statement about possessing an advantage in points or position.

we were in the lead

Similar to "we had the lead", but emphasizes the ongoing nature of holding the leading position. It implies continuous maintenance of the advantage.

we were ahead

A simpler and more general way of saying that a team or individual was in a position of advantage or progress. It is not specific to competitive scenarios.

we were victorious

Highlights the ultimate outcome of winning. Conveys a sense of triumph and success. The use of 'victorious' suggests a significant achievement.

we were succeeding

Highlights the ongoing process of achieving success, rather than focusing solely on the moment of winning. It implies continuous progress toward a desired outcome.

we held the advantage

Emphasizes the act of possessing and maintaining a beneficial position. It implies that the team or individual had something that their opponents lacked.

we were on top

A more figurative expression meaning that the team or individual was in a dominant position or controlling the situation. Conveys a sense of superiority.

we were prevailing

Highlights the act of overcoming challenges and being superior or more powerful. It is commonly used in situations of ongoing conflict or difficulty.

we were coming out on top

Suggests that the situation was evolving towards a favorable outcome, emphasizing the process of achieving victory. It is often used in dynamic or uncertain situations.

victory was ours

Emphasizes the anticipation and confidence that victory was secured or inevitable. It may also convey a sense of certainty or destiny.

FAQs

What does "we were winning" mean?

The phrase "we were winning" indicates that in a past situation, the speaker and their group were in a state of success or advantage, typically in a competition or endeavor.

What can I say instead of "we were winning"?

You can use alternatives like "we had the lead", "we were ahead", or "we were in the lead" depending on the specific context.

Is "we were winning" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we were winning" is grammatically correct. It uses the past continuous tense to describe an ongoing action or state in the past.

How do I use "we were winning" in a sentence?

You can use "we were winning" to describe a situation where your team or group was in a leading or successful position at a specific time in the past. For example: "At halftime, "we were winning" by a score of 3-1."